Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 4 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 21:

Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry for CH4 is square planar with the four H atoms at the corners of the square and the C atom at its centre. Explain why CH4 is not square planar?

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 21:

Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry for CH4 is square planar with the four H atoms at the corners of the square and the C atom at its centre. Explain why CH4 is not square planar?

Answer:

The phenomenon of mixing of orbitals of the same atom with slight difference in energies so as to redistribute their energies and give new orbitals of equivalent energy and shape. The new orbitals formed are known as hybrid orbitals, it is called as hybridization.

Now, Electronic configuration of carbon atom:

C: 1s2 2s2 2p2

In the excited state, the orbital picture of carbon can be represented as:

Here 1 s orbital & 3 p orbitals under goes hybridization to form sp3 hybrid orbitals .Hence, carbon atom undergoes sp3 hybridization in CH4 molecule and takes a tetrahedral shape.

                                   

For a square planar shape, the hybridization of the central atom has to be dsp2, ie, 1 s orbital, 3 p orbitals & 1 d orbitals has to undergo hybridization .However, an atom of carbon does not have d-orbitals to undergo dsp2 hybridization. Hence, the structure of CH4 cannot be square planar.

Moreover, with a bond angle of 90° in square planar, the stability of CH4 will be very less because of the repulsion existing between the bond pairs. Hence, VSEPR theory also supports a tetrahedral structure for CH4.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • Harshit Jain
  • Jul 12, 2020

Nice helpful


  • Hrithik
  • May 06, 2019

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  • Hrithik
  • May 06, 2019

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  • Max
  • Mar 16, 2019

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  • Rack
  • Feb 21, 2019

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  • Jack
  • Jun 04, 2018

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 21: Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry for CH4 is square planar with the four H ....

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