What is the structure of a water molecule ?
In a water molecule, one oxygen atom forms bonds with two hydrogen atoms by sharing of electrons as shown above. Thus, oxygen atom shares one electron pair with each hydrogen atom.
In a water molecule, one oxygen atom forms bonds with two hydrogen atoms by sharing of electrons as shown above. Thus, oxygen atom shares one electron pair with each hydrogen atom.
Formation of methane (CH4) molecule on the basis of electronic theory of valence is described below. The electronic configuration of carbon is K, L: 2, 4. Thus, there are four electrons in the valence shell of carbon atom. To complete its octet, it needs four more electrons.
In a methane molecule, four hydrogen atoms are linked to one carbon atom by single covalent bonds. The four valence bonds of carbon are arranged tetrahedrally in space. Thus , a methane molecule has been a tetrahedral shape.
An atom is the smallest particle of an element that takes part in chemical reactions and maintains its chemical identity throughout all chemical and physical changes. Atoms of one element are different from the other elements.