the orbitals that overlap in methane are
The orbitals that overlap in methane are
Answer: In methane (CH4), the orbitals that overlap are the 1s orbital of carbon and the 1s orbital of each hydrogen atom.
In the methane molecule, carbon is sp3 hybridized, resulting in four sp3 hybrid orbitals. These sp3 orbitals overlap with the 1s orbital of each hydrogen atom to form four sigma (σ) bonds.
Each hydrogen atom contributes its 1s orbital to form a sigma bond with carbon. This overlapping of atomic orbitals leads to the formation of a tetrahedral shape in methane. The overlap occurs as a result of the sharing of electrons between the carbon and hydrogen atoms, creating a stable molecule.
Overall, the overlapping of the 1s orbital of carbon with the 1s orbitals of hydrogen atoms in methane leads to the formation of four sigma bonds, resulting in a stable molecular structure.