What do molecules look like in real life?

Answer

Dear Dirk,

Interesting question. Now how can we see molecules or atoms? What exactly is the surface? If you listen to the theory of atoms, there are electrons on the outside that move very quickly and therefore do not really form a solid surface, rather a lot of empty space and where the electrons then flash past. There are, however, devices that can visualize the density of electrons on the scale of atoms. For example something like Atomic Force Microscopy and then you would scan the outside of molecules. The representation method that then comes closest to what you then see (via the AFM) comes closest to a sphere model rather than a sphere and rod or only rod model. Attached is an example of what that might look like in terms of shape, but the colors are artificial (“atoms have no color”). Concerning the last aspect, one can freeze the molecules a little for AFM by binding them to a graphite surface or in some sort of ordered structure that they bind to each other somewhat.

Regards