Drawing molecular diagrams is a skill that many science students need to master. Everyone from chemists to biologists needs to know how to construct diagrams of molecular structure. Drawing a molecular diagram may seem daunting or intimidating, but with some dedicated practice, it can be surprisingly simple. Read on to learn everything you need to know about construction molecular diagrams.
The first step in drawing a molecular diagram is to assess the type of atom that is to be depicted. Different atoms have different properties which will affect the diagram; for example, the number of electrons within a particular atom. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the type of atoms in order to accurately construct the diagram. Once the atoms have been identified, it is time to begin the diagram.
Start with paper and pencil, then draw a circle to represent each atom. Link each circle together with a line to indicate the relationship between the atoms. At this point, it is helpful to use arrows that point to the atoms to indicate the nature of the bond between them. This makes the diagram easier to interpret. Additionally, include lines that stretch to the outer edge of the circles to signify any lone pairs of electrons that may be present.
At this point, it’s important to step back and look at the diagram to make sure it is symmetrical and that all atoms are accurately represented. Draw on the atoms to represent the number of electrons in each circle; for most atoms, 8 electrons is the maximum number. Also double check the bonds between atoms. If there are any inaccuracies, fix them before continuing.
Once the diagram appears correct, use shading to make the diagram more aesthetically pleasing. Use different colors to distinguish the atoms and any lone pairs of electrons. Also, use highlighting to make any special atoms stand out. Lastly, write the chemical formula associated with the diagram directly on the paper.
After the diagram is complete, review it to make sure it is correct. This step is extremely important because any mistakes in the diagram could result in invalid conclusions being drawn. Once the diagram is 100% accurate, it can be saved for future reference or for use in scientific analysis.
Armed with the proper knowledge, drawing a molecular diagram can be a breeze. Start by assessing the atoms at hand, and then depict them with circles and lines. Use arrows to indicate the relationship between the atoms, and then add lone pairs of electrons as necessary. After shading and highlighting the elements, double-check the diagram for mistakes. Once the diagram is reviewed and verified, it can be used for future reference and science. With some practice, drawing a molecular diagram will become more natural, and may even be considered a fun exercise.
