Use the periodic table to complete the activity.

Question

Methane (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 has covalent bonds. Carbon has four valence electrons, while hydrogen has one valence electron. Carbon needs to share its four valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, while hydrogen only needs one more electron to be stable. Therefore, one carbon atom can bond with four hydrogen atoms, with each hydrogen sharing its one electron with carbon. This bonding occurs due to the carbon atom's ability to form multiple bonds and its higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen.