Write the Lewis structure for methane (\(CH_ { 4} \) ). Does methane exhibit linear, trigonal planar, or tetrahedral geometry?

1. Lewis Structure:
- Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons.
- Each hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron.
- Carbon forms four single bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
The Lewis structure is:
\[      H\\      | \\  H - C - H\\      | \\      H\]
2. Geometry:
- Methane (\(CH_ { 4} \)) has four regions of electron density (the four C-H bonds) around the central carbon atom.
- According to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, these regions will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion.
- This results in a tetrahedral geometry with bond angles of approximately 109.5°.

Supplemental Knowledge:

The Lewis structure is a diagram that represents the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. Methane (\(CH_ { 4} \)) is a simple hydrocarbon with one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.

Life in Context:

Understanding molecular geometry is vital in various scientific fields like chemistry, biology and materials science. Methane gas is widely used for heating homes and cooking; its tetrahedral shape ensures efficient combustion when mixed with air to generate energy production.

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