| These are the pieces used to assemble the molecular models of ethane. On the left are 6 hydrogens, two tetrahedral carbon atoms,
and the fastener used to create a single bond. On the right are 6 hydrogen atoms, 2 tetrahedral carbon atoms, and 7 green tubes
used to create single bonds.
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| The carbon atoms are joined to create a single covalent bond.
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| The completed molecule may be rotated between the two carbon atoms to observe the
360 degree rotation of a single bond. The molecular shape around each carbon atom is tetrahedral and the electron pair
geometry around each carbon atom is also tetrahedral.
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| The Octet rule is fulfilled for each carbon atom. There are eight valence electrons around each
carbon. The four arrows in each image point out the pairs of valence electrons for one carbon atom.
The structural formula for ethane may also be examined to determine the valence electrons for each atom.
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| Structural formula of ethane. Remember that each dash represents a pair of electrons (two electrons).
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| Animated molecular model of ethane.
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