Identify the central atom in methane (CH_4), which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each hydrogen contributes 1 electron, but we focus on the central atom's bonding.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the shape. Carbon forms 4 single bonds with hydrogen atoms, resulting in 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom.
According to VSEPR theory, 4 bonding pairs around a central atom arrange themselves as far apart as possible, which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of methane (CH_4) is tetrahedral, with bond angles approximately 109.5 degrees.