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PHET - Build an Atom Simulation

Last updated over 5 years ago

13 questions

1

Go to Build an Atom Simulation then click the play button. Once open, click on the Atom icon.

Explore the Build an Atom simulation for a few minutes.

What particles go in the center of the atom?

1

What is the center of the atom called?

1

Use the protons, neutrons, and electrons to create three different atoms (of your choice) and fill in the table below.

1

Everything around us is made up of different elements. The air has Oxygen and Nitrogen. Plants and people have lots of Carbon. Helium is in balloons. Hydrogen is in water.

Play until you discover a rule for what part of an atom determines the name of the element you build. What did you find determines the element?

1

Test your idea by identifying the element for the cases in the next three questions. (The name is shown in the middle of the atom)

# of protons: 6
# of neutrons: 6
# of electrons: 6

1

# of protons: 7
# of neutrons: 6
# of electrons: 6

1

# of protons: 6
# of neutrons: 7
# of electrons: 7

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the charge of your atom.

What makes the charge of the atom go up (become more positive)? Pick two.

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the charge of your atom.

What makes the charge of the atom go down (become more negative)? Pick two.

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the charge of your atom.

To make sure an atom is neutral (doesn’t have a charge), you need to have the exact same number of...

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the mass of your atom.

What makes the mass of the atom go up?

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the mass of your atom.

What makes the mass of the atom go down?

1

Play until you discover some good rules about the mass of your atom.

Which particle seems to have no effect on the mass?