Types+of+Molecular+Formulas

**Types of Molecular Formulas**
Different ways of expressing molecules are needed to help better picture each molecule, and to observe the tendencies of chemically bonded atoms. There are several ways to express the formation of molecules, and each of the following methods are useful when picturing the structure of a given molecule:
 * Molecular Formulas
 * Structural Formulas
 * Ball and Stick Models
 * Space-filling models
 * Condensed Formulas

Molecular Formulas-
These formulas are used in chemical equations to express quantities and types of atoms in a molecule. While the molecular formulas are some of the most commonly used, they fail to show the way the atoms are arranged in the molecule, or the geometry in which the atoms have bonded.
 * Examples
 * H20
 * CO2
 * C6H6
 * C2H3O2

Structural Formulas-
These formulas are drawings that show which atoms attach to which in a molecule. Each atom is represented by its chemical symbol, and lines are used to represent the bonds between the atoms. Most structural formulas do not specify the geometry of the molecule, however some are //perspective drawings// which can help create some semblance of the actual three-dimensional structure.
 * Examples**

Ball-and-Stick Models
Another effective way to visualize molecules is by using a ball-and-stick model. These models use spheres to represent the atom, and sticks to represent the bonds. Ball-and-stick models help to easier illustrate the angles between the bonded atoms. The sizes of the perspective "atoms" can vary, or they may be distinguishable by color. These serve as excellent 3D aid for visual purposes. Though these are good visually, they take a little longer to make.
 * Example**

Space-filling model
Space-filling models show what the molecule would look like if it were scaled in size. However, the geometry of the bonds is often harder to observe when using these models. The "atom" may be identified by color or size, as in the ball-and-stick model. These models somewhat look like a bunch of balloons pushed together and are computer generated. Ethanol
 * Example**

Condensed Formula
Condensed formulas provide shorter ways of observing the structure of molecules, as opposed to writing the entire chemical formula. These models are quickest to make, but not a good visual.
 * Example**



Sources:

[|http://www.uoregon.edu/~ch111/images/glucose.gif] http://www.globalwarmingart.com/images/thumb/1/12/Carbon_Dioxide_Molecule_Formula.png/250px-Carbon_Dioxide_Molecule_Formula.png http://www.gcsescience.com/Methane.gif [|http://personal.cscs.ch/~mvalle/ChemViz/representations/ball-and-stick-neutral.jpg] http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/Ethanol_-_Space_filling_model.png http://img.sparknotes.com/figures/8/8a5d5291809971d9fa98d928ddf79524/fig2_4.gif http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vzMXlfzgosE/SoULExEJMLI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/l5fyOh1DMDI/s320/ball+and+stick+model+of+L-ascorbic+acid+%28vitamin+C%29+molecule.png http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/2/26/20070409144555!Ethanol_-_Space_filling_model.png