A tetrahedral molecule is a type of molecular geometry where a central atom is bonded to four other atoms, forming a shape similar to a pyramid with a triangular base. This arrangement occurs when the central atom has four electron pairs that repel each other, leading to a three-dimensional structure. A common example of a tetrahedral molecule is methane (CH₄), where one carbon atom is surrounded by four hydrogen atoms. In a tetrahedral configuration, the bond angles between the atoms are approximately 109.5 degrees. This geometry is important in chemistry because it influences the physical and chemical properties of the molecule. Other examples of tetrahedral molecules include ammonium (NH₄⁺) and phosphate (PO₄³⁻).