Methana (CH4) is a gas that is found in small quantities in Earth's atmosphere. Which type of bonds does methane have, and why does one carbon atom bond with four hydrogen atoms? In three to five sentences, explain your answer in terms of valence electrons and electronegativity.

Answer 1

Methane (CH4) molecules consist of four hydrogen atoms bonded to a central carbon atom. These bonds are known as covalent bonds. Each atom requires a complete valence shell, containing eight electrons, to attain stability. Carbon has four valence electrons while hydrogen has one. Since carbon desires to achieve stability by completing its valence shell, it bonds with four hydrogen atoms, contributing one electron to each hydrogen atom's valence shell. Such bonding satisfies the octet rule for both carbon and hydrogen, resulting in a stable methane molecule.