Chapter 4, Problem 10Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In a methane molecule, the hydrogen atoms would be farther from one another in a tetrahedral arrangement than if they all were in the same plane (square planar). This statement has to be demonstrated using molecular model kit representation.

Concept Introduction:

The molecular formula of a methane molecule is ${\text{CH}}_{\text{4}}$ . The molecule has the following major geometries:

• Tetrahedral.
• Square Planar.

The tetrahedral geometry:

In this geometry, the carbon atom will be located at the centre of a tetrahedron and all the four hydrogen atoms will be arranged on the corners of the tetrahedron with the bond angle of $\text{109}{\text{.5}}^{\text{o}}$ between the $\text{C-H}$ bonds as shown here:

The square planar geometry:

In this geometry, the carbon atom will be located at the centre of a square and the four hydrogen atoms will be arranged on the corners of the square on the same plane with the bond angle of ${\text{90}}^{\text{o}}$ between the $\text{C-H}$ bonds as shown here: