Molecular Model Sets

Modelling chemical structures

When studying chemistry it is often important to understand the structures of crystals and molecules. That is, although it is useful to know how many of which specific types of atoms form a particular molecule, that information alone is not enough to fully describe that compound or, therefore, to explain its properties.

Chemical modelling kits such as those shown on this page are used in schools and colleges to help students to understand how the atoms within molecules are arranged. In most cases different colours of spheres are used such that each type (size and colour) of sphere represents a specific type of atom. There are many different chemical modelling kits available, some being much simpler than others while others are more sophisticated.

It is worth remembering that while models of molecules are generally useful because they can help people to appreciate the overall shape of molecules, they are never absolutely accurate. It is a considerable simplification to represent an atom within a molecule as a coloured sphere. In reality each atom has its own structure which is in turn affected by its interactions with surrounding atoms and molecules with which it might or might form 'chemical bonds' which can also be of various types.