Chemistry / Unit 2 Chem 0255 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Structural Formula
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The idea
A structural formula shows the same atom counts as a molecular formula but shows which atoms are bonded directly to which.
In practice
Methane's structural formula draws four lines from a central carbon to four hydrogens, a bonding pattern its formula CH4 leaves out.
Where people slip
The lines represent bonds, not distances or angles — geometry is a separate question from which atoms are joined.
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