Explain the structure of `CH_(4)` molecule.

Explanation

`CH_(4)` (Methane) :

In the formation of methane molecule the central carbon atom undergoes `sp^(3)` hybridisation in its excited state `1s^(2)2s^(1)2p_(x)^(1)2p_(y)^(1)2p_(z)^(1)`. As a result of which four `sp^(3)` hybrid orbitals will form on it. All of them contain an electron, each. Now, these four hybrid orbitals overlap Head - Head with 1s orbitals of four hydrogen atoms forming `CH_(4)` molecule. The structure of the molecule is tetrahedral. The bond angle is `109^(@)28'`. Since there are no lone pairs, there is no distortion in the shape of the molecule.