The bonds in methane (CH₄) are covalent because carbon and hydrogen share electrons to be stable. Carbon has four outer electrons and needs four more to fill its shell, while each hydrogen has one outer electron and needs one more to be full. By sharing their electrons, carbon makes four single bonds with hydrogen atoms, forming a stable molecule where all the atoms have full outer shells. This sharing leads to covalent bonds instead of ionic bonds.
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The bonds in methane (CH₄) are covalent, as carbon and hydrogen share electrons to achieve stable valence shells. Carbon has four valence electrons and needs four more to complete its octet, while each hydrogen has one valence electron and needs one more to fill its outer shell. By sharing their electrons, carbon forms four single covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, creating a stable molecule where all atoms reach a full valence shell. This mutual sharing of electrons results in covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds.
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