How to draw methane ch4 lewis structure

1. How to draw the L ewis structure of methane, CH 4 By José @ Periodic table with names http://periodictablewithnames.net

2. Steps to write the L ewis structure of methane Find the number of valence electrons for each of the atoms in the molecule. The number of valence electrons is usually the same as the group number where the element is located.

3. The number of valence electrons for hydrogen is 1 (group 1)

4. The number of valence electrons for carbon is 4 (group 4)

5. Methane: CH 4 C is located in group 4, thus possess 4 valence electrons H is located in group 1, thus possess 1 valence electron

6. Count the total number of valence electrons in the molecule: Sum the valence electrons from each atom in the molecule

7. For methane CH 4 Total valence e. from C: 4 4 e. x 1 C = 4 Total valence e. from H: 4 1 e. x 4H = 4 Total valence e. in the molecule: 4 + 4 = 8

8. Use the octet rule to figure how many octet electrons the atoms should have: Most atoms need 8 electrons to complete their valence shield Hydrogen is an exception and needs only 2

9. For methane CH 4 Carbon should have 8 valence electrons Each hydrogen should have 2 valence electrons

10. Draw an initial sketch of the molecule by placing the symbol of each atom in a diagram For methane: H H C H H

11. Place the valence electrons of each atom around them, starting from the outer atoms

12. For methane CH 4 Hydrogen has 1 valence electron:

13. For methane CH 4 Carbon has 4 valence electrons:

14. Each bond in a molecule is made up from two electrons. Each atom in the molecule need to be bonded together to its nearest atom.

15. For methane CH 4 Form single bonds between the atoms:

16. For methane CH 4 Form single bonds between the atoms:

17. For methane CH 4 Form single bonds between the atoms:

18. For methane CH 4 Form single bonds between the atoms:

19. For methane CH 4 Now the structure is complete:

20. At the end, each atom should be surrounded by eight electrons (following the octet rule) Remember that H only needs 2 electrons

21. For methane CH 4 Carbon is surrounded by 8 electrons

22. For methane CH 4 Each hydrogen is surrounded by 2 electrons

23. Practice writing the Lewis structure of any molecule! For more resources on chemistry visit: Periodic table with names http://periodictablewithnames.net