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Question
Explain the bonding in methane molecule using electron dot structure.
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Solution
Formation of methane molecule – Non-polar covalent compound:
| Atom | Electronic configuration | Nearest noble gas | To attain stable electronic the configuration of nearest noble gas |
| Carbon | `""_6^12C[2,4]` | Neon [2,8] | Carbon needs four electrons to complete the octet |
| Hydrogen | `""_1^1H[1]` | Helium [2] | Hydrogen needs one electron to complete the duplet |
One atom of carbon shares four electron pairs, one with each of the four atoms of
hydrogen.
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|
| Before combination (4 [H] and 1 [C] atom) |
After combination (CH4 – Methane molecule) |
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