Rods holding molecules together ?

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In summary, the rods that hold molecules together in substances like water are simply conventional representations of the chemical bonds between atoms. They are made of quantized electromagnetic forces and serve as a visual aid in understanding the attraction between positive and negative charges. These rods are not visible under a microscope and are only used for utility in models. They can be compared to the force of gravity that holds a person to the Earth.
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khermans
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I was just wondering, what are the rods composed of that hold the molecules together in substances such as water? You have hydrogen and oxygen atoms, but I always see these life-size models of the molecules being held together with rods in between each atom - with no explanation of what they are! I have never really looked at this stuff under a powerful microscope, and thus only have what is on the net and in books. Can someone tell me what these rods are composed of? Or are they just for utility?

Kristian Hermansen
 
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  • #2
The rods are just conventional, although they can be made to represent the type and length of the bond. The bond is the chemical bond, composed of quantized electromagnetic forces.
 
  • #3
The rods in models are only there for utility as you say, and no microscope will allow you to see anything in their place. If someone made a model of you standing on the earth, he would need glue, or a rod, to connect your action figure to a globe. This rod would "be gravity". For a molecule, the rod is "what makes + attract -", or the electromotive force.
 

1. How do rods hold molecules together?

Rods hold molecules together through a process called covalent bonding. This is when atoms share electrons in order to achieve a stable outer electron shell.

2. What are the different types of rods that can hold molecules together?

The most common types of rods that hold molecules together are single, double, and triple bonds. These refer to the number of pairs of electrons being shared between atoms.

3. How does the length of a rod affect its ability to hold molecules together?

The length of a rod, or bond, between atoms can affect the strength of the bond. Generally, longer bonds are weaker than shorter bonds.

4. Can rods holding molecules together break?

Yes, rods holding molecules together can break. This can occur through chemical reactions or physical forces that disrupt the sharing of electrons between atoms.

5. Can rods holding molecules together form in different shapes?

Yes, depending on the arrangement of atoms and the type of bonding, rods holding molecules together can form different shapes such as linear, bent, or trigonal planar.

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