Bond angle

Definition

The bond angle is the geometric angle between two adjacent bonds originating from the same atom. In the context of sp3 hybrid orbitals and the structure of methane, it refers to the angle between any two covalent bonds that join atoms to the central carbon atom.

Related terms

Hybridization: The process by which atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals for bonding, providing an explanation for molecular shape and bond angles.

Tetrahedral Geometry: A type of molecular geometry where a central atom is bonded to four other atoms placed at the corners of a tetrahedron, typical for molecules with sp3 hybridization like methane.

sp3 Hybrid Orbitals: Orbitals formed by the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals on a central atom, resulting in four equivalent hybrid orbitals oriented in a way that maximizes their distance apart, leading to tetrahedral geometry in molecules like methane.