Modeling compounds involves creating visual representations of chemical substances to understand their structure and properties. These models can be physical, like molecular kits, or digital, using software to simulate how atoms bond and interact. This helps scientists and students visualize complex molecules and predict their behavior in reactions. In chemistry, compounds are formed when two or more different elements combine in fixed ratios. For example, water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. By modeling compounds, researchers can explore their characteristics, such as stability and reactivity, which is essential for fields like pharmaceuticals and materials science.