The Atom
Chemistry
Vocabulary and notes
Vocabulary - 1
Element-substance that cannot be
broken down into other substances by
chemical/physical means
Atomic number-number of
protons in nucleus
Atomic mass unit (amu)-unit
used to measure particles in atoms
Valence electron-electrons
located fartherest away from nucleus
Chemical bond- force that holds
chemicals together
ATOM
Atom notes
Nucleus-core of atom, made of proton (+),
neutrons
Atom neutral when protons = electrons (-)
Atomic number =‘s number of protons
AMU measures particles in atom
Electrons roam around nucleus in
electronic cloud – are in constant motion
Protons have almost 2000 times as much
mass as electrons
Atom notes cont.
Electrons attract protons in nearby atoms
Attraction forms molecules
Mass =‘s protons + neutrons
1st shell = 2
2nd shell =8
3rd shell = 18
4th shell =32
5th ,6th,7th have various amts., depending on type of
molecule formed with max of 32, 18, and 2 respectively
Most of the atoms volume is the space where the
electrons move
Valence Electrons
Are the electrons that are
fartherest away from the
nucleus
Determines many
properties of the atom
and therefore of the
element
Forms chemical bonds
with other atoms
Can range from 1 to 8
Are represented by an
electron dot diagram
Modeling Atoms – Lab ___
Question – What can we learn about atoms by studying different
models of them?
HypothesisMaterials -
different colored dots (3 colors)
different colored beads (3 colors)
clear plastic wrap
clay
3 pipe cleaners
periodic table
clear plastic ball
Procedure –
1. You will need to refer to your periodic table to complete this lab.
2 Find the element carbon on the periodic table. Using your colored
dots create a model of a carbon atom in data table 1. Be sure
to include a legend telling which color represents the protons,
electron, and neutrons.
Modeling Atoms cont.
3. Now find the element nitrogen on the periodic table. Using the
pipe cleaners and beads construct a 3-D model of a
nitrogen atom. Glue this model in to data table 2,
remembering to provide a legend for the bead color.
4. Next you will be constructing a model of the element boron using
the clay and the clear plastic ball. Decide which colors of clay
will represent the parts of the nucleus and which will represent
the electrons.
5. Wrap the nucleus in the clear plastic wrap and suspend it
between the 2 hemispheres of the plastic ball. This allow the
nucleus to hang suspended down the center when the ball is
put back together. Now place the clay electrons on the outside
surface of the plastic sphere.
Data Table 1
Data Table 2
Modeling Atoms cont.
Results –
Conclusion –
1. How was the first model different from the second model? How
was it the same?
2. How was the third model different from the first two? In what way
was it the same?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model?
4. How was the periodic table helpful in making the models?
5. Why is it helpful for a scientist to build models such as these?
6. What do these models show? What do they not show?
7. What will happen to our models if we learn something new about
atoms?
Extensions
Activities and Labs
Activities and Labs
Crossword puzzle w/ vocabulary
Seek and find puzzle w/ vocabulary
Lab - Atomic Models
Lab – Pepper Picker Upper