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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: FutureDoc on November 17, 2007, 08:52:18 PM

Title: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: FutureDoc on November 17, 2007, 08:52:18 PM

Why is CH₄ considered a nonpolar covalent molecule?

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: Sev 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.

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: FutureDoc on November 17, 2007, 11:34:34 PM

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

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: agrobert on November 17, 2007, 11:47:29 PM

Their electronegativities are close which is why they are covalent.

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: FutureDoc on November 17, 2007, 11:52:53 PM

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

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: agrobert on November 17, 2007, 11:58:42 PM

Carbon has four bonds to complete its octet.

Title: Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
Post by: FutureDoc on November 17, 2007, 11:59:45 PM

True. Thanks.