Question

Which of the following types of molecular representations can be used to show differences between isomers? Explain why each can or cannot.

a) molecular formula
b) structural formula
c) 3D drawing or model,

Answer 1

Molecular formula, structural formula, and 3D drawing or model can be used to show differences between isomers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The types of molecular representations that can be used to show differences between isomers are:

1. Molecular formula: The molecular formula gives only the number of each kind of atom present in a molecule. It does not provide any information about the structure of the molecule. For example, the molecular formula CH4O represents methanol, but it does not reveal the arrangement of the atoms.
2. Structural formula: The structural formula shows how the atoms are connected in a molecule. It provides information about the arrangement of atoms and the bonds between them. For example, the structural formula of methanol (CH3OH) indicates that one carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
3. 3D drawing or model: A 3D drawing or model represents the three-dimensional structure of a molecule. It helps in visualizing the spatial arrangement of atoms. For example, a ball-and-stick model or a space-filling model can be used to show the differences in the arrangement of atoms between isomers.

Answer 2

Isomer is defined as compounds with the same formula but different arrangement of atoms in its molecule and they differ in their properties. The representation that can be used to show differences between isomers is the use of structural formula. It shows the arrangement of each atoms. It cant be molecular formula and 3D drawing because it does not show the arrangement of the atoms.