Which of the following molecules has the same shape and hybridization as methane (CH_4)?

• A. C_2H_6
• B. NH_3
• C. SiH_4
• D. H_2O

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry and hybridization of methane (CH_4). Methane has a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms with no lone pairs, resulting in a tetrahedral shape and sp^3 hybridization.
2. Step 2: Analyze each given molecule to determine its shape and hybridization. For each molecule, consider the central atom, the number of bonded atoms, and the presence of lone pairs.
3. Step 3: For C_2H_6 (ethane), focus on one carbon atom. It is bonded to three hydrogens and one carbon, with no lone pairs, so it also has a tetrahedral shape and sp^3 hybridization.
4. Step 4: For NH_3 (ammonia), the nitrogen has three bonded hydrogens and one lone pair, resulting in a trigonal pyramidal shape and sp^3 hybridization, which differs from methane's shape.
5. Step 5: For SiH_4 (silane), silicon is bonded to four hydrogens with no lone pairs, similar to methane, so it has a tetrahedral shape and sp^3 hybridization, matching methane's geometry and hybridization.