The dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in staggered conformation of ethane is

Options

A. `0^(@)`
B. `120^(@)`
C. `60^(@)`
D. `180^(@)`

Answer

To determine the dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in the staggered conformation of ethane, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Ethane
Ethane (C2H6) consists of two carbon atoms, each bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula can be represented as CH3-CH3.

**Hint:** Remember that ethane has a simple structure with two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.

### Step 2: Draw the Staggered Conformation
In the staggered conformation, the hydrogen atoms on one carbon are positioned as far apart as possible from the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon. This arrangement minimizes steric hindrance.

**Hint:** Visualize the staggered conformation by drawing the two carbon atoms with their attached hydrogen atoms in a staggered manner.

### Step 3: Identify the Dihedral Angle
The dihedral angle is defined as the angle between two intersecting planes. In the case of ethane, we can look at the angle between the planes formed by the hydrogen atoms on one carbon and the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon.

**Hint:** Focus on the hydrogen atoms that are directly opposite each other in the staggered conformation.

### Step 4: Measure the Angle
In the staggered conformation, the angle between the hydrogen atoms on the two methyl groups is measured. The dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in the staggered conformation is 60 degrees.

**Hint:** Recall that in a staggered conformation, the angles between adjacent hydrogen atoms are typically 60 degrees.

### Conclusion
Thus, the dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in the staggered conformation of ethane is **60 degrees**.

**Final Answer:** 60 degrees