Molecular modelling is useful to visualise the microscopic particles that are dealt with in everyday chemistry.

In some respects it is a bit of a fraud, in that the molcules and atoms are not 'really' like the models portray, but rather the models allow us a representation that is useful for the sake of our limited minds.

'Real' molecules are spinning accumulations of charged matter that writhe and vibrate millions of times a second. However, this kind of image makes it difficult to describe essential characteristics such as shape, that are very helpful when it comes to understanding the behaviour of such microscopic species.

The images in the links are enabled with the use of computer plug-ins such as 'Chime' that must be downloaded before they can be imaged on your computer.

Use of plastic models, such as Molymods(TM) is recommended, as they give the student the correct three dimensional appreciation necessary to fully understand the behaviour of molecules and atoms.