The methane molecule, CH4, has the geometry shown in Figure 2.17. Imagine a hypothetical process in which the methane molecule is 'expanded,' by simultaneously extending all four C—H bonds to infinity. We then have the process CH41g2¡C1g2 + 4 H1g2 (a) Compare this process with the reverse of the reaction that represents the standard enthalpy of formation of CH41g2.