Question

Hybridization of central carbon atom in methane molecule is ______.

• A. $s{p}^3$
• B. $sp$
• C. $s{p}^2$
• D. $s{p}^6$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$s{p}^3$

Methane is $C{H}_4$. There are $4H$ and $1C$ atom. The$H$ atoms are attached to $C$ atom via sigma bond. The C atom has $4$ bond pairs and zero lone pairs of electrons.

$sp=2,s{p}^2=3,s{p}^3=4$

$n_{\sigma }$ + no. of loan pair on the central atom =4 + 0= 4

So, the hybridization of central carbon atom in methane molecule is $s{p}^3$.

Shape of methane is tetrahedral with bond angle ${109.5}^0$$.

Option A is correct.