Why is the basic shape of alkanes tetrahedral?

Answer 1

Because the carbon is sp³ hybrid.

The carbon is member from the 14th family in the periodic table. It also has 6 electrons (atomic number = 6). When we distribute those electrons, we create #1s^2 2s^2 2p^2#, but the carbon has to lower the #2p# orbitals and raise the #2s# orbitals in energy, making its #2s# and #2p# orbitals degenerate, as four #sp^3# hybridized orbitals, with one electron in each, before bonding.

Four covalent bonds provide carbon with the additional four electrons it needs to become stable.

The tetrahedral geometry is created because every single #sp^3# electron from the carbon repels the other with an equal coulombic force (wouldn't be equal if the carbon wasn't hybridized) in the s¹p³ (sp³) orbital. This creates an equal distribution to the atoms and gives it a tetrahedral geometry.
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Answer 2

The tetrahedral shape of alkanes is due to the sp3 hybridization of carbon orbitals, resulting in four equivalent sigma bonds arranged symmetrically in three-dimensional space.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

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