Any of the spatial arrangements which the atoms in a molecule may adopt and freely convert between, especially by rotation about individual single bonds, Is called as conformation. In alkane staggered, eclipsed conformation is seen. Example : Ethane molecule shows both type of conformation which is shown in diagram.
Conformation of ethane - definition
Ethane shows two types of conformation, staggered and eclipsed.
Chain and boat conformation - diagram
Sawhorse projections - definition
A sawhorse projection is a view of a molecule down a particular carbon-carbon bond, and groups connected to both the front and back carbons are drawn using sticks at 120 degree angles.
Newman projections - definition
A newman projection, useful in alkane stereo chemistry, visualizes chemical conformations of a carbon-carbon chemical bond from front to back, with the front carbon represented by a dot and the back carbon as a circle.