How does the concept of hybridisation explain the geometry of methane?

In methane, the carbon atom undergoes sp3 hybridisation, forming four equivalent hybrid orbitals. These orbitals arrange themselves in a tetrahedral shape to minimise electron repulsion. This hybridisation explains why all the H-C-H angles in methane are 109.5 degrees and why the molecule is symmetrical.

Answered by: Vivien L. Chemistry Tutor
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