This document discusses the differences between conformation and configuration in organic chemistry. Conformation refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule that can change through rotation around single bonds, while configuration cannot change without breaking bonds. It provides examples of the staggered and eclipsed conformations of ethane and propane. The staggered conformation is more stable due to less torsional strain between hydrogen atoms. There is a small energy barrier of 12 kJ/mol for rotation between staggered conformations in ethane.