To describe a model of methanol (CH₃OH), we need to consider its molecular composition:
- Methanol consists of one carbon atom (C), three hydrogen atoms (H), and one oxygen atom (O).
- Based on the provided color coding:
- Carbon (C) is represented by gray.
- Hydrogen (H) is represented by white.
- Oxygen (O) is represented by red.
When constructing the model for methanol, the arrangement should be:
- 1 gray sphere for the carbon atom.
- 3 white spheres for the three hydrogen atoms.
- 1 red sphere for the oxygen atom.
Therefore, a correct description of the model of methanol, CH₃OH, would be:
- A gray sphere representing carbon connected to three white spheres (hydrogens) and one red sphere (oxygen).
In terms of structure, the carbon atom is central, bonded to three hydrogen atoms (forming a tetrahedral shape) and also bonded to one oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is attached to one additional hydrogen atom (part of the hydroxyl group -OH).
This results in a molecular model where the carbon is gray, the three hydrogens are white, and the oxygen is red.
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