The graphical model shows the distribution of electrons in the case of a single bond (above), a double bond (middle), and a triple bond (below). (In both cases, only the bond between the two carbon atoms is shown. The hydrogen atoms bound to the carbon atoms are only given as symbols.)

The additional electrons of a triple bond are situated above, below, and on both sides of the electrons of a single bond. Therefore these additional electrons are not as efficient as the electrons of a single bond. The other groups bound to carbon atoms participating in a triple bond are lying on the axis of the bond.