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

Options

A. `120^(@)`
B. `180^(@)`
C. `90^(@)`
D. `60^(@)`

Explanation

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

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understand the Structure of Ethane**: Ethane (C2H6) consists of two carbon atoms bonded to each other, with three hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom.

2. **Identify the Staggered Conformation**: In the staggered conformation, the hydrogen atoms on adjacent carbon atoms are positioned as far apart as possible. This arrangement minimizes steric hindrance and is more stable than the eclipsed conformation.

3. **Draw the Staggered Conformation**:
- Draw two carbon atoms.
- Position one carbon atom (C1) at the front and the other carbon atom (C2) at the back.
- Attach three hydrogen atoms (H) to each carbon atom.
- In the staggered conformation, the hydrogen atoms on C1 will be positioned between the hydrogen atoms on C2.

4. **Identify the Dihedral Angle**:
- The dihedral angle is defined as the angle between two planes formed by four atoms.
- For the staggered conformation of ethane, the dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms on the two methyl groups (attached to each carbon) is measured.
- In this conformation, the angle between the hydrogen atoms on one carbon and the hydrogen atoms on the adjacent carbon is 60 degrees.

5. **Conclusion**: The dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in the staggered conformation of ethane is **60 degrees**.

### Final Answer
The dihedral angle between the hydrogen atoms of two methyl groups in the staggered conformation of ethane is **60 degrees**.