Final answer:
Methane (CH₄) is a gas due to weak intermolecular forces and symmetrical electron distribution. Water (H₂O) is a liquid due to stronger intermolecular forces and asymmetrical electron distribution. Methane and water differ in their electron distribution and shape, leading to different physical properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Methane (CH₄) is a gas because it has a low boiling point and weak intermolecular forces. The carbon atom in methane exhibits sp3 hybridization, forming four sigma bonds with four hydrogen atoms. This tetrahedral shape allows the molecule to have symmetrical distribution of its four pairs of electrons, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
Water (H₂O) is a liquid because it has stronger intermolecular forces and a higher boiling point compared to methane. The oxygen atom in water has two lone pairs of electrons and forms two sigma bonds with two hydrogen atoms. The bent shape of water molecules results in an asymmetrical distribution of its four pairs of electrons, making it a polar molecule.
Methane and water differ in their electron distribution and shape due to the different hybridization and arrangement of their atoms, leading to different intermolecular forces and physical properties.