Define the term conformation and discuss the different conformations of ethane.

Explanation

Conformations are the infinite number of arrangements of atoms in space which occur due to the rotation about the carbon-carbon single bond.
Conformations of ethane : Out of different conforinations of ethane, two main stable conformations are staggered conformation and eclipsed conformation.
i) Staggered conformation : In staggered conformation, the hydrogen atoms attached to the two carbon atoms of ethano are at the maximum distance apart from each other in space.
ii) Eclipsed conformation : Ineclipsed conformation, during the rotation of C-C bond, the hydrogen atoms attached to one carbon atom completely cover the hydrogen atoms of the second carbon atom.

Out of these two conformations, staggered is more stable as the repulsion between the hydrogen atoms of two carbon atoms is minimum and having least energy.