Molecular Models

As we learn about how atoms are put together to form functional structures like the molecules of life, it is often useful to be able to visualize the 3-dimensional structure of the structures. Often, chemists will use physical models with colored balls representing atoms and sticks representing the bonds (pairs of electrons) that hold them together. Below we've provided some "virtual" models of this type.  You can grab and manipulate the molecules below to rotate them and help you visualize how they are put together. Feel free to explore the various molecules using the interface below.

Molecule:
Display:

Legend of Atom Colors

H                                 He
Li Be                     B C N O F Ne
Na Mg                     Al Si P S Cl Ar
K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
Cs Ba L* Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Tl Pb Bi Po At Rn
Fr Ra A* Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt                  
                                   
  (L:) La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu  
  (A:) Ac Th Pa U Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr