Now describe the bonding in ethane, C2H6, starting from carbon and hydrogen atoms. You don't need to discuss the shape of an ethane molecule.

Ethane, C2H6, is a simple molecule that can be used to demonstrate the type of bonding that occurs in organic molecules.

Step 1: Understand the atoms involved Ethane is composed of two carbon (C) atoms and six hydrogen (H) atoms. Carbon has 4 valence electrons and hydrogen has 1 valence electron.

Step 2: Understand the type of bonds In ethane, each carbon atom forms 3 single covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms and 1 single covalent bond with another carbon atom. A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share a pair of electrons.

Step 3: Understand the electron sharing Each hydrogen atom shares its 1 electron with carbon, and in return, carbon shares one of its electrons with hydrogen. This forms a stable covalent bond, satisfying the hydrogen atom's need for 2 electrons in its outer shell (to match the noble gas Helium).

The two carbon atoms also share a pair of electrons, forming a single covalent bond between them. This satisfies part of the carbon atoms' need for 8 electrons in their outer shell (to match the noble gases).

Step 4: Understand the complete bonding Each carbon atom is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The three hydrogen atoms share their electrons with the carbon atom, and in return, the carbon atom shares one of its electrons with each hydrogen atom. This satisfies the rest of the carbon atoms' need for 8 electrons in their outer shell.

So, in total, each carbon atom in ethane forms four single covalent bonds (three with hydrogen and one with another carbon atom), and each hydrogen atom forms one single covalent bond with a carbon atom. This results in a stable molecule where all atoms have a full outer shell of electrons.