Question

In a Lewis diagram for methane (CH4), which atom or atoms is inside, or central?

A hydrogen
B carbon
C neither; carbon and hydrogen are both inside
D neither; carbon and hydrogen are both outside

Answer 1

B) carbon

Step-by-step explanation:

A Lewis structure depicts the distribution of valence electrons around the atom. Since it is the valence electrons that are involved in the formation of chemical bonds, Lewis structures are therefore an import tools for visualizing molecular geometries.

In the given molecule methane, CH₄:

the valence configuration for C = 2s²2p²

the valence configuration for H = 1s¹

Since two electrons are required to form a bond, the C atom in methane can form one bond with each of the 4 H atoms. Therefore, in the Lewis diagram, the C atom will be in the center surrounded by the 4 H atoms.

Answer 2

B carbon

Explanation

Lewis structure or dot structure is an easy way to get the bonding details of atoms in a molecule. If we talk about methane molecule carbon is central atom with four electrons that are bonded to four hydrogen atoms and each bond is single covalent bond.

Please see attached figure,

Hope it helps!