Conformers are molecules that can exist in different shapes or arrangements due to rotation around single bonds. These variations do not change the molecular formula but can affect the molecule's physical and chemical properties. For example, the ethane molecule can adopt multiple conformations, such as staggered and eclipsed forms, which differ in energy and stability. The study of conformers is important in fields like organic chemistry and biochemistry, as the shape of a molecule can influence its reactivity and interactions with other molecules. Understanding conformers helps scientists predict how substances behave in various environments, such as in drug design and molecular modeling.