Conformation
Conformation describes the shape a molecule has at a given time due to free rotation around single bonds. Different conformations of a molecule will be more common or less common depending on the interactions of the atoms in these different conformations. Different conformations will have distinct sets of torsion angles, which quantitatively describe the rotation around a bond.
Example: PentaneExample: Pentane
When opening this page, pentane is shown in an extended conformation, with the C1-C2-C3-C4 and the C2-C3-C4-C5 torsion angle at 180 degrees each. After you press the button below, the conformation will change, eventually showing one torsion angle at 0 degrees and the other at 180 degrees. Pressing the button again returns to the original conformation (which is of lower energy and thus more common).
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