- 5 carbon atoms (black balls)
- 12 hydrogen atoms (white balls)
- 4 sticks (or toothpicks)
1. Start by placing the carbon atom in the center of your work area.
2. Then attach four sticks to the carbon atom, one on each side.
3. Next, attach three hydrogen atoms to each stick, one on each end.
4. Your methane model is now complete!
Here is a diagram that shows how to assemble the model:
[Image of a ball and stick model of methane]
The methane molecule has a tetrahedral shape, with the carbon atom at the center and the four hydrogen atoms at the corners. The sticks represent the bonds between the carbon and hydrogen atoms.
