Question

What is the approximate H—C—H bond angle in CH3^+?

Answer 1

The `H-C-H` bond angle is `120^@`.

Explanation:

The carbon atom in the ion `color(blue)(CH_3^+)` is `color(red)(sp^2)` hybridized carbon and therefore, the geometry around this atom is trigonal planar. In this case, the `H-C-H` bond angle is `color(blue)(120^@)`.

However, the carbon atom in `color(green)(CH_4)` is `color(purple)(sp^3)` hybridized carbon and therefore, the geometry around this atom is tetrahedral. In this case, the `H-C-H` bond angle is `color(green)(109.5^@)`.