Topic: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule? (Read 6145 times)

FutureDoc · « **on:** November 17, 2007, 08:52:18 PM »

Why is CH₄ considered a nonpolar covalent molecule?

Sev · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2007, 09:11:47 PM »

Quote

Why is CH₄ considered a nonpolar covalent molecule?

Because it is both nonpolar and covalent.

Nonpolar because e^-s are shared equally.

FutureDoc · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:34:34 PM »

But the electronegativity of C is 2.5, and the EN of H is 2.1.

agrobert · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:47:29 PM »

Their electronegativities are close which is why they are covalent.

FutureDoc · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:52:53 PM »

The fact that there are 4 Hydrogens to only 1 Carbon doesn't matter?

agrobert · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:58:42 PM »

Carbon has four bonds to complete its octet.

FutureDoc · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:59:45 PM »

True. Thanks.