PLEASE HELP

When one atom of carbon (C) combines with four atoms of hydrogen (H), four nonpolar covalent bonds form, resulting in a molecule of methane (CH4). Which of the following describes the arrangement of valence electrons in a bond between C and H?

Question

PLEASE HELP

When one atom of carbon (C) combines with four atoms of hydrogen (H), four nonpolar covalent bonds form, resulting in a molecule of methane (CH4). Which of the following describes the arrangement of valence electrons in a bond between C and H?

sb1028 · Answer

These are the answers
The valence electrons are shared equally between C and H.
 The valence electrons spend more time around the atom of C.
 The valence electrons spend more time around the atom of H.
 The valence electrons are given up by the H and gained by the C.

sb1028 · Answer

i think its either A or B

ciarán95 · Answer

$$Welcome~To~OpenStudy!!~:)$$

If you're just talking about an individual C-H bond, then the two valence (bonding) electrons will spend more time around carbon than hydrogen. This is because carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen (2.5 compared to 2.1), thus having a greater attraction for the electrons than the hydrogen. So, option B is the answer here.

Just remember though that in methane, the central carbon atom will form 4 'hybrid' sp3 orbitals, which will individually overlap with the s-orbital on a hydrogen to form the covalent bond. This ensures that each of the C-H bonds in methane are identical in length, but the shared electrons will still sit slightly closer to C than H in all of them. This isn't really needed to answer the question, but it's worth bearing in mind.

Anyway, hope that helps you out @sb1028 !

sb1028 · Answer

That makes sense. Thank you so much!!! @Ciarán95

ciarán95 · Answer

No worries @sb1028 , glad you understood the answer!