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?

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 shared equally between C and H.

The valence electrons are given up by the H and gained by the C.

Question

Sam Dunlap

Chemistry

11 May, 04:10

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?

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 shared equally between C and H.

The valence electrons are given up by the H and gained by the C.

+5

Answers (1)

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Clancy · Answer 1

Carbon is slightly more electronegative than hydrogen: 2. 55 vs 2.20. This difference is so small that the valence electrons are generally considered to be shared almost equally between them.

Then, the answer is: the valence electrons are shared equally between C and H.