What is the hybridization of the central carbon atom in ${\text{CH}}_4$?

Solution

1. The molecule ${\text{CH}}_4$ has four single bonds around the central carbon atom.
2. The steric number is calculated as the sum of sigma bonds and lone pairs, which is $4 + 0 = 4$.
3. A steric number of 4 corresponds to ${\text{sp}}^3$ hybridization.
4. Hence the answer is (C).