A water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Its chemical symbol is therefore H2O. The water molecule is one of the simplest molecules, which makes it an ideal model to introduce students to the concept of molecular structures. Creating a model of a water molecule requires only a few basic parts and allows teachers to demonstrate the molecular structure of water. In turn, to shows how that structure determines its physical properties.
- Large polystyrene foam ball
- Two small polystyrene foam balls
- Craft paints
- Craft brushes
- Toothpicks
Show More
Instructions
-
-
1
Paint a large polystyrene ball red to represent an oxygen atom.
-
2
Paint two smaller polystyrene balls yellow to represent hydrogen atoms.
-
-
3
Insert a toothpick or skewer into each of the small balls, pushing it partly in but leaving most of it exposed.
-
4
Insert each toothpick into the large ball, joining the two hydrogen atoms to the oxygen atom. The angle between the two should be 104.5 degrees, forming a V-shape with the oxygen atom in the middle.