Chapter 8.1, Problem 6LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The information provided by a molecular structure needs to be identified.

Concept Introduction: A molecular structure shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule and the types of bond present in it. The number of atoms present in a molecule can be identified from molecular formula but to understand the location of atoms, the molecular structure is required.

Explanation of Solution

A molecular structure explains the location of atoms in a molecule. It also helps in identifying the number and type of chemical bonds present in the molecule. For example, the molecular structure of water is as follows:

  

From the above molecular structure, it can be identified that the oxygen atom is the central atom, and hydrogen atoms are at terminal positions. Here, the oxygen atom is bonded with two hydrogen atoms via a single bond.