Question

Which of the following best represents and explains the formula for a compound made from carbon and hydrogen? CH₄, because four electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen. CH₂, because two electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen. CH₄, because each hydrogen contributes four electrons to the bonds. CH₂, because each carbon contributes two electrons to the bonds.

Answer 1

The accurate formula for a hydrocarbon compound of carbon and hydrogen is CH₄, where a single carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct formula for a compound made from carbon and hydrogen is CH₄, because four electron pairs are shared between carbon and hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom contributes 1 valence electron, for a total of 4 valence electrons, while the carbon atom contributes 4 valence electrons. Together, they form methane, where the carbon atom fulfills the octet rule by forming four single covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms. Consequently, the outer shells of both the carbon and the hydrogen atoms are filled, making methane a stable molecule.