Question

Which hybrid orbitals help explain the bonding in methane, `CH_4`?

Answer 1

`sp^3`

Explanation:

`C(6)=1s^2 2s^2 2p_x^1 2p_y^1 2p_z^0`
`C^*(6)=1s^2 2s^1 2p_x^1 2p_y^1 2p_z^1`
now the 4 hybrid orbitals make 4`sigma` bonds with 4 hydrogen s orbitals and make `CH_4`