The structure below is the Lewis structure of methane. The Lewis structure tells us many things about methane that are useful. However, it also suggests one characteristic of methane that is, in fact, false. What is this one characteristic?
A) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon has a full valence shell, but it really doesn't.
B) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon has four bonds, but it really doesn't.
C) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon is bonded to four hydrogens, but it really isn't.
D) The Lewis structure suggests that methane is flat, but it really isn't.
E) The Lewis structure suggests that methane is stable, but it really isn't.

Question

The structure below is the Lewis structure of methane. The Lewis structure tells us many things about methane that are useful. However, it also suggests one characteristic of methane that is, in fact, false. What is this one characteristic? 
A) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon has a full valence shell, but it really doesn't. 
B) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon has four bonds, but it really doesn't. 
C) The Lewis structure suggests that carbon is bonded to four hydrogens, but it really isn't. 
D) The Lewis structure suggests that methane is flat, but it really isn't. 
E) The Lewis structure suggests that methane is stable, but it really isn't.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Lewis structure of methane suggests that the molecule is flat, with all atoms in the same plane. However, in reality, methane is a three-dimensional molecule with a tetrahedral shape, where the carbon atom is at the center and the four hydrogen atoms are at the corners of a tetrahedron.

The Structure Below Is the Lewis Structure of Methane