Why is tetrahedral the most stable?

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    Bonding Stable
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SUMMARY

The tetrahedral arrangement is the most stable molecular structure for four symmetrical points around a fixed center, as exemplified by methane (CH4). This configuration minimizes repulsion between the atoms by maximizing the distance between them, achieving bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees. The regular tetrahedron, characterized by its equal edge lengths and angles, is the geometric representation that supports this stability. This arrangement is crucial for understanding molecular geometry in chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular geometry
  • Familiarity with the concept of bond angles
  • Knowledge of the tetrahedral structure in chemistry
  • Basic principles of symmetry in three-dimensional space
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  • Study the VSEPR theory to understand molecular shapes
  • Explore the properties of regular tetrahedra in geometry
  • Learn about hybridization in carbon compounds, particularly sp3 hybridization
  • Investigate the implications of molecular geometry on chemical reactivity and properties
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Chemistry students, molecular modelers, and anyone interested in understanding the spatial arrangements of atoms in molecules, particularly in organic chemistry.

Abhijeet Verma
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How do we prove that tetrahedral arrangement is the arrangement which allows 4 points to be maximum apart from each other about a fixed centre, assuming that the points are all symmetrical about the centre.
(I am asking in context of the structures of the molecules like CH4, since there the structure is favoured since it allows the individual atoms to be maximum apart and hence minimise repulsion)
 
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Abhijeet Verma said:
How do we prove that tetrahedral arrangement is the arrangement which allows 4 points to be maximum apart from each other about a fixed centre, assuming that the points are all symmetrical about the centre.

Any four points determine a tetrahedon.
 
Sorry, by tetrahedral arrangement, i mean a tetrahedral with an angle of nearly 109deg. 28 min.
 
Regular tetrahedron.
 

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