Review – How to draw a Bohr–Rutherford diagram
Name: ____________________
Date: ____________
Step 1. Locate the element on the periodic table. Using the key/legend for help
locate the atomic number and atomic mass of the element (e.g. lithium has an
atomic number of 3 and an atomic mass of 6.941 – round the mass to the nearest
whole number, 7 for lithium)
Step 2. Use these numbers to discover the number of protons, neutrons and
electrons in the atom of the element.
#protons = the atomic number (e,g. for lithium there are 3 protons)
# of electrons = # of protons in a neutral atom (e.g. 3 electrons for lithium)
# of neutrons = atomic mass – atomic number (e.g. 7 – 3 = 4, 4 neutrons for
lithium)
Step 3. Draw a nucleus for your atom and inside place the number of protons and
neutrons. (e.g. lithium’s nucleus will have 3P and 4N)
Step 4. Draw a circle around the nucleus to represent the path of the innermost
electrons, add in the necessary number of electrons up to 2. If there are more
electrons draw another ring outside of the first, this one can hold up to 8
electrons. (e.g. for lithium you will draw two rings to represent electron paths, you
wil put 2 dots on the inner pathway and one in the outer pathway for a total of 3
electrons)
Inner most shell – 2 electrons
Second shell – 8 electrons
Third shell - 8 electrons
Fourth shell – 8 electron
Now Practice!
Video of how to draw a Bohr-Rutherford models
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iih6rJ2S6pk