Which of the following best represents the Lewis dot structure of methane (CH_4)?

• A. A central carbon atom with one triple bond to a hydrogen atom and three single bonds to three hydrogen atoms.
• B. A central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, and no lone pairs on carbon.
• C. A central carbon atom with four lone pairs and no bonds to hydrogen atoms.
• D. A central carbon atom with two double bonds to two hydrogen atoms, and two lone pairs on carbon.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in bonds.
2. Determine the number of valence electrons for each atom: Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each Hydrogen has 1 valence electron.
3. Since methane (CH_4) has one carbon and four hydrogens, the total valence electrons to be represented are 4 (from C) + 4 × 1 (from H) = 8 electrons.
4. Carbon typically forms four single covalent bonds to complete its octet, and hydrogen forms one single bond to complete its duet.
5. Therefore, the correct Lewis structure shows a central carbon atom with four single bonds to four hydrogen atoms, with no lone pairs on carbon.