Molecular Models Lab
Procedure:
1) Draw the dot diagram for each of the molecules on the chart under the space labeled Bonding
Diagram.
2) Using the following table and the molecular model kit provided, construct a model of the molecule
then draw it under the space labeled Picture of Model.
Atom
Symbol
Color of Ball
Maximum number of bonds
Hydrogen
H
White
1
Carbon
C
Black
4
Nitrogen
N
Blue
3
Oxygen
O
Red
2
Sulfur
S
Yellow
2
Chlorine
Cl
Green
1
3) Draw the structural formula for the molecules.
Structural Formulas
A structural formula is a more accurate way to draw a bonding diagram, which takes into account the shape
of the molecules. The following symbols get used to create a 3-D structure:
For a bond in the plane of the paper
For a bond below the plane (going away from you)
For a bond above the plane (coming towards you)
So that, for example, the structure of methane (CH4) would look like:
H
C
H
H
H
Or the structure for ammonia (NH3) would look like:
..
N
H
H
H