How to Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for CH4: Methane
A step-by-step explanation of how to draw the CH4 Lewis Dot Structure (Methane).

For the CH4 structure use the periodic table to find the total number of valence electrons for the CH4 molecule. Once we know how many valence electrons there are in CH4 we can distribute them around the central atom with the goal of filling the outer shells of each atom.

In the Lewis structure of CH4 structure there are a total of 8 valence electrons. CH4 is also called Methane. The Lewis structure for CH4 is one of the more commonly tested structures in chemistry classes.

----- Steps to Write Lewis Structure for compounds like CH4 -----
1. Find the total valence electrons for the CH4 molecule.
2. Put the least electronegative atom in the center. Note: Hydrogen (H) always goes outside.
3. Put two electrons between atoms to form a chemical bond.
4. Complete octets on outside atoms.
5. If central atom does not have an octet, move electrons from outer atoms to form double or triple bonds.

----- Lewis Resources -----
• Lewis Structures Made Simple: https://youtu.be/1ZlnzyHahvo
• More practice: https://youtu.be/DQclmBeIKTc
• Counting Valence Electrons: https://youtu.be/VBp7mKdcrDk
• Calculating Formal Charge: https://youtu.be/vOFAPlq4y_k
• Exceptions to the Octet Rule: https://youtu.be/Dkj-SMBLQzM

Lewis Structures are important to learn because they help us understand how atoms and electrons are arranged in a molecule, such as Methane. This can help us determine the molecular geometry, how the molecule might react with other molecules, and some of the physical properties of the molecule (like boiling point and surface tension).

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