The number of bonds a carbon atom forms with other elements in a compound determines its chemical structure and behavior. Normally, a carbon atom shares all four of its valence electrons to create ...

In these drawings, every line is a bond and every bend is a carbon atom. Most hydrogen atoms are not shown, and it is assumed each carbon has enough hydrogens so that each carbon has four bonds.

The picture shows a close-up of one carbon atom. A hydrogen atom has one proton as the nucleus and one electron in the region outside the nucleus. The electron and proton are attracted to each other.

Explain that a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Ask students to use Snap Cubes to make a water molecule. Then show students the animated Snap Cube model of a water molecule.