The total number of covalent bonds present in methane is

Explanation

To determine the total number of covalent bonds present in methane (CH₄), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Molecular Formula of Methane:**
- Methane is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula CH₄. This indicates that it contains one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

2. **Understand the Valence Electrons:**
- Carbon has 4 valence electrons (since its atomic number is 6, and its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p²).
- Each hydrogen atom has 1 valence electron (since its atomic number is 1, and its electron configuration is 1s¹).

3. **Determine the Need for Electrons:**
- Carbon needs 4 more electrons to complete its octet (8 electrons in its outer shell).
- Each hydrogen atom needs 1 more electron to achieve a stable duplet (2 electrons in its outer shell).

4. **Covalent Bond Formation:**
- To achieve stability, carbon shares its 4 valence electrons with 4 hydrogen atoms.
- Each hydrogen atom shares its 1 electron with carbon, resulting in the formation of a covalent bond.

5. **Count the Total Covalent Bonds:**
- Since carbon forms 4 bonds with 4 hydrogen atoms, the total number of covalent bonds in methane is 4.

### Final Answer:
The total number of covalent bonds present in methane is **4**.

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