Question

The shape of methane molecule is

• A. Linear
• B. Annular
• C. Tetrahedral
• D. Octahedral

Hint:

Memorize the shapes of basic molecules: Methane (\(CH_4\)) is tetrahedral, Ammonia (\(NH_3\)) is trigonal pyramidal, and Water (\(H_2O\)) is bent. These are common examples based on VSEPR theory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of its atoms in three-dimensional space, which in turn is governed by the repulsion between the electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom (VSEPR Theory).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The methane molecule has the formula \(CH_4\). The central atom is carbon.
Carbon has 4 valence electrons. It forms four single covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
These four bonding pairs of electrons are regions of negative charge, and they repel each other. To maximize the distance between them and minimize repulsion, they arrange themselves in a three-dimensional shape.
This arrangement results in a tetrahedral geometry, where the carbon atom is at the center and the four hydrogen atoms are at the vertices of a regular tetrahedron. The angle between any two C-H bonds is approximately 109.5\(^\circ\).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The shape of the methane (\(CH_4\)) molecule is tetrahedral.