Question

The arrangement of hydrogen atoms around carbon in the methane molecule is

• A. Triangular
• B. Square planar
• C. Tetrahedral
• D. Hexagonal

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In methane the central atom, carbon is in a state of $s{p}^3$ hybridization. Four $s{p}^3$ hybrid orbitals around the central atom are directed tetrahedrally in a bid to be at maximum possible distance from each other. These four tetrahedrally inclined orbitals overlap with s-orbitals of four $H$-atom. The four $C-H$ bonds are mutually inclined at an angle of $109^{\circ }28^{\prime }$. Tetrahedral shape of methane molecule