CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT
LAB 5: ATOMIC MODELING, PAGE 1
CYCLE 3
NAME
Modeling the Atom: Candyland
PRE-LAB DISCUSSION:
The neutral atom is essentially a heavy nucleus or center
consisting of protons (positively charged particles) and
neutrons (neutral particles – neither positive nor negative)
surrounding by a cloud of orbiting VERY light electrons
(negatively charged particles.) In order for the atom to be
neutral, there must be an equal number of protons and
electrons.
The Niels Bohr model of the atom is the one MOST often
used and appears above. He suggested that the orbits
occupied by the electrons were energy levels.
In order to better visualize Bohr’s model, today we are going to use some common household
items (candy, paper plates, and Styrofoam cups) to create a model for the atom!
APPARATUS/MATERIALS:
Spree candy
Cinnamon candy
Butterscotch candy
Boston baked beans
Bubble gum balls
1 paper plate
1 styrofoam cup
CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT
LAB 5: ATOMIC MODELING, PAGE 2
CYCLE 3
NAME
PROCEDURE:
1)
Use your cup to collect three different types of candy (OR three different colors of the
same candy).
2)
Identify each of the different candies as one of the following categories:
a) electrons
b) protons
c) neutrons
3)
Arrange the candies on the plate to model an atom with an atomic number between 1
and 8.
4)
Call your teacher over to show him or her your model.
5)
Repeat Step #3 for two additional elements.
DATA/OBSERVATIONS:
Sketch a picture of EACH of the atoms that you chose to model with the symbol for the atom
below it:
CHEMISTRY IN CONTEXT
LAB 5: ATOMIC MODELING, PAGE 3
CYCLE 3
NAME
ANALYSIS:
1)
If there are protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in orbit around the nucleus,
which atom must this be? Label all parts.
2)
Atoms can have multiple orbitals/energy levels for the electrons. Take a look at the
following atom. If there are protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in orbit around the
nucleus, which atom must this be?