Methane (CH₄) features covalent bonds between the carbon atom and the four hydrogen atoms. Carbon has an electronegativity of about 2.5, while hydrogen has an electronegativity of about 2.1; the small difference indicates that the bonding is primarily covalent rather than ionic. Carbon has four valence electrons and needs four more to complete its octet, while each hydrogen atom has one valence electron and needs one more to achieve the stable configuration of helium. By forming four single covalent bonds, carbon shares its four valence electrons with four hydrogen atoms, satisfying both the octet rule for carbon and the duet rule for hydrogen, allowing the molecule to achieve stability.
Use the periodic table to complete the activity.
Methane (CH4
) is a gas that is found in small quantities in Earth’s atmosphere. Are the bonds in methane ionic or covalent according to their electronegativities, and how can one carbon atom bond with four hydrogen atoms based on their valence electrons? In three to five sentences, explain your answer.
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