Pre-Lab 14A: Atomic Structure

Purpose

We once believed that atoms were the smallest units of matter. Then it was discovered that there are even smaller particles inside atoms!

The structure of the atom explains why nearly all the properties of matter we experience are what they are.

This investigation will lead you through some challenging and fun games that illustrate how atoms are built from protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Key Question

• What is inside an atom?

Background

• Define:

use 3-4 attributes for each, no less!:– Proton– Neutron– electron

Drawing

Draw the Li atom model AND the entire Li box:

Section 1:

In the atom game, colored marbles represent the three kinds of particles.

- Red marbles are protons,

- blue marbles are neutrons,

- yellow marbles are electrons.

1.Create the model asked for, then call Mr. Speich to check/sign the model

2.Read it; So, what do these mean: Li, 3, 6, 7 ?

don’t do this question on the lab write-up

Section 3:

BUILD the 6 atoms on the chart,

Remember, all charts need a title

Fill in the missing data on the chart:

USE NUMBERS, NOT DOTS

Call me to your lab station to show me each model and

sign your lab data chart for each model!

Post Lab 14A: Atomic Structure

Purpose

We once believed that atoms were the smallest units of matter. Then it was discovered that there are even smaller particles inside atoms!

The structure of the atom explains why nearly all the properties of matter we experience are what they are.

This investigation will lead you through some challenging and fun games that illustrate how atoms are built from protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Key Question

• What is inside an atom?

Background

• Define:– Proton– Neutron– electron

-What is the number below the element symbol?-What does this number tell you about the atom?-What is the number (s) above the element

symbol called?-What does this number tell you about the atom?-Why do some elements have more than one

number above the symbol?- What are the variations in this number called?

• Two of the atoms you made were the same element. What was different about them?

• One of the atoms had just enough electrons to completely fill the first two levels. Which atom was this?– Where on the periodic table is it found?

• Which atom had an atomic number of 8?• Which atom had a mass number of 13?• One atom is found in a lightweight, silvery

metal used in airplanes. Which atom was it?• One atom is found in an element that makes

up about 21% of the air you breathe. You could not live without this element.