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Question Question 1(2015)
Explain the bonding in methane molecule.
Methane consists of one carbon atom [2,4] and four hydrogen atoms [1]. Carbon needs four electrons to attain a stable electronic configuration of nearest noble gas - Ne, whereas, hydrogen needs one electron to attain stable electronic configuration of nearest noble gas - He.
Therefore, one atom of carbon shares four electron pairs one with each of the four hydrogen atoms, resulting in formation of methane molecule.
The atomic orbit structure diagram of the formation of methane molecule is shown below:
