Question

The bond present in $C{{H}_{4}}$is:
(A) Covalent
(B) Ionic
(C) Hydrogen
(D) Vanderwaals

Answer 1

The methane is considered as the simplest saturated hydrocarbon. It consists of one carbon atom which is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It is a tetrahedral molecule which has a sweet oil like smell. It non toxic and flammable gas. It has the tendency to displace oxygen so that it can induce asphyxiation.

Complete answer: Ionic bond is defined as the electrostatic force which holds the oppositely charged ions together. This chemical bond is formed by transferring the electrons to other atoms to attain stability. The ionic bond is formed when the difference between the ionization potential of the two atoms are high. The ionic bond is a strong bond which has charge separation. Hydrogen bonding is referred to as the strong attractive force which is formed due to dipole dipole interaction. Van Der waals force is considered to be the weak intermolecular force which depends mainly on the distance between the atoms. These forces are additive in nature and are not saturated and not dependent on temperature. In covalent bonds the bond is formed by equal sharing of electrons by both the atoms. The sharing of bonding pairs gives assurance that the atom achieves stability in the outermost shell. In methane the sharing of electrons takes place between the carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. So it forms four covalent bonds as the electrons are being shared by the atoms. Four pairs of electrons are shared between the carbon and hydrogen atoms in methane thereby forming four covalent bonds.

So the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Methane is used in testing the gas appliances and in gases too. It is considered as an antifreeze ingredient in refrigerators. It helps in generation of electricity. Methane is released during the burning of coal. Methane can be extracted from air with the help of bacteria because of its intense effectiveness as greenhouse gas.