Question

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the methane (ch4) molecule. how many electron groups are around the central carbon atom? note: one \electron group\ means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond. what phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central carbon atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.) select linear bent t - shaped trigonal planar trigonal pyramidal square planar square pyramidal tetrahedral sawhorse

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze methane structure

In $CH_4$, carbon is the central atom and is bonded to 4 hydrogen atoms by single - bonds. There are no lone pairs on the carbon atom.

Step2: Count electron groups

Since each C - H single bond is an electron group and there are 4 C - H bonds, the number of electron groups around the central carbon atom is 4.

Step3: Determine electron - group arrangement

According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when a central atom has 4 electron groups and no lone pairs, the electron - group arrangement is tetrahedral.

Answer:

How many electron groups are around the central carbon atom? 4
What phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central carbon atom? tetrahedral