Why the tetrahedral angle is 109 deg 28 min?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the tetrahedral angle of 109 degrees 28 minutes, particularly in the context of methane and its molecular geometry. Participants explore the theoretical calculations behind this angle, its relation to coordinate geometry, and its implications in chemistry and physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the original poster's question, suggesting that more context is needed to provide thoughtful responses.
  • One participant notes that the question may relate to a special case in quantum mechanics, prompting a request for clarification on which molecule is being discussed.
  • Another participant suggests that the question is more aligned with high school-level coordinate geometry or vectors rather than advanced physics or chemistry.
  • The original poster clarifies that they are specifically asking about the HCH angle in methane and seeks theoretical calculations related to it.
  • One participant provides links to external resources that may help explain the tetrahedral angle further.
  • Another participant describes a geometric approach to understanding the tetrahedral angle by referencing the midpoint of a cube and the angles formed with its corners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the nature of the original question, with some viewing it as a straightforward geometry problem while others suggest it involves more complex concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to explain the tetrahedral angle.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of clarity in the original question, the dependence on specific definitions of geometry and molecular structure, and the unresolved nature of how the tetrahedral angle is calculated theoretically.

AlbertEinstein
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Hope my question is understood.
 
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AlbertEinstein said:
Hope my question is understood.

No it isn't. Please note that if you're too lazy to explain the context of your question, then it is foolish of you to expect people to spend time and effort to give you thoughtful responses.

Zz.
 
your identifying a special case. You would need to delve into quantum mechanics. In addition, to which molecule are your referring?
 
To the original poster: try a Google search on "tetrahedral angle" (including the quotes, to keep the words together). Some of the first few hits look like they might be what you're looking for.
 
As posed, the question in the OP has nothing to do with physics (or chemistry) - it is a standard high school level exercise in either co-ordinate geometry or vectors.
 
Sorry for forgetting my question for a long time, I am really sorry.
I wanted to ask that in methane the HCH angle is 109 deg 28 min. How in theory is this calculated ? If this has to something with co-ordinate geometry, I would like a bit clarification.I hope my question is clear this time and I'm in the right forum.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
See these links:http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/journal/issues/1997/Sep/abs1086.html
http://www.chem.unl.edu/cak/bk5.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The tetrahedral angle can be formed by taking the midpoint of a cube and drawing four lines from this midpoint out to every other corner. It's then pretty easy to prove the angle.
 

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