Question

the electron dot structure for methane, ch₄, can be classified using vsepr theory as:

○ triangular pyramidal

○ tetrahedral

○ triangular

○ square

Explanation:

To determine the VSEPR shape of \( \text{CH}_4 \) (methane), we analyze the central carbon atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and it forms 4 single bonds with hydrogen atoms, resulting in 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, a molecule with 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom has a tetrahedral geometry. Triangular pyramidal is for molecules with 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair (e.g., \( \text{NH}_3 \)), triangular (planar) is for 3 bonding pairs (e.g., \( \text{BF}_3 \)), and square geometry is not typical for \( \text{CH}_4 \).

Answer:

B. tetrahedral