Methane is a gas that is found in small quantities in Earth’s atmosphere. Which type of bonds does methane have, and why does one carbon atom bond with four hydrogen atoms? In three to five sentences, explain your answer in terms of valence electrons and electronegativity.
Methane (CH4) has covalent bonds. Carbon has four valence electrons and hydrogen has one valence electron. Carbon has a tendency to form four covalent bonds to achieve a stable electron configuration of eight valence electrons, which is the same as a noble gas. Hydrogen's electronegativity is lower than carbon's, so carbon is more likely to attract hydrogen's electron and form a bond. This creates a stable molecule with each atom having a full outer electron shell.
