Question

draw the lewis structure for the methane (ch₄) molecule.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine central atom

Carbon (C) is central; H atoms are terminal. C has 4 valence e⁻, each H has 1. Total valence e⁻: \(4 + (4\times1) = 8\).

Step2: Arrange atoms and bonds

Place C at center. Connect C to each H with a single bond (each bond uses 2 e⁻). 4 single bonds: \(4\times2 = 8\) e⁻, using all valence e⁻.

Step3: Draw Lewis structure

Central C, four single bonds to H atoms. Each H has 2 e⁻ (full duet), C has 8 e⁻ (full octet). Structure: C in center, four H atoms around, each connected by a single line (bond).

Answer:

The Lewis structure of \( \text{CH}_4 \) has a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms via single covalent bonds. The structure is represented as:

    H
    |
H - C - H
    |
    H

(or with each C - H bond shown as a line, and no lone pairs on C or H, since all valence electrons are in bonding pairs: C has 4 bonds (8 e⁻), each H has 1 bond (2 e⁻)).