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Lesson 2: Atomic Structure

Last updated over 2 years ago
17 questions

Atomic Structure


Objectives: Students will...
  • state the location, charge, and mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • determine the number of protons, neutrons, electrons, mass number, and charge of an atom or ion.
  • interpret or construct an atomic symbol to describe an atom or ion.
  • use the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons to draw a model of an atom or ion, identify the element, and determine the mass and charge.

Build an Atom - PhET Simulation

Part 1: Atom Screen

Directions: Click on the 'Atom' Screen in the simulation below. Answer questions 1-6.


If you'd like to have the simulation open in another screen while you work, click here: PhET Build an Atom Sim
1

Take three minutes to interact with the simulation. Write three observations you have about the simulation.

1

Which subatomic particle determines an atom's identity?

1

Determine the charge, mass, and location of each subatomic particle in the atom.

  • in the nucleus (center)
  • mass number = 0
  • Neutral (0) charge
  • in the orbits (orbitals)
  • mass number = 1
  • Positive (+) charge
  • Negative (-) charge
  • proton
  • neutron
  • electron
1

Which of the following best describes how to calculate the mass number of an atom?

1

Which of the following best explains what an ion is?

1

Complete the table

An explanation video will be uploaded soon. :) Sorry for the delay.

Build an Atom - PhET Simulation

Part 2: Symbol Screen

Directions: Click on the 'Symbol' screen at the bottom of the simulation, then answer questions 11-12.


If you'd like to have the simulation open in another screen while you work, click here: PhET Build an Atom Sim
1

Click on the Symbol screen and interact with the simulation. Write three observations you have from the 'Symbol' screen.

1

Let's figure out the important parts of an atomic symbol.


Using the symbol above, identify:
  • how the value of each letter is determined
  • what the letter represents.

  • represents: charge
  • represents: element symbol
  • represents: atomic number
  • represents: mass number
  • determined by: (# of protons) + (# of neutrons)
  • determined by: (# of protons) - (# of electrons)
  • determined by: # of protons
  • a
  • b
  • c
  • d
An explanation video will be uploaded soon. :) Sorry for the delay.
1

Part 3: Game Screen

The moment you've been waiting for! Click on the 'Game' Screen at the bottom of the simulation. Spend some time playing each of the four games.

Add your score for each game to the picture below.

1

Match the sentences below with the words that best go in the blanks.

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
A nucleus is made up of neutrons and ____.
atoms
All matter is composed of tiny particles called ____.
nucleus
Protons and neutrons are ____ than electrons.
protons
The center part of an atom is called the ____.
outside of
There is mostly ____ between electrons.
empty space
Elecrons are found ____ the nucleus.
more massive
Use the periodic table below to answer questions 13-15. Note: the number above each element symbol is the element's atomic number.


1

A calcium (Ca) atom has a mass number of 42. How many neutrons are in the atom?

1

An oxygen ion with a charge of -2 has eight electrons.

1

Match the following atom/ion descriptions with the element

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
An atom with 24 neutrons and a mass number of 50
Tc (Technetium)
An atom with 36 protons and 36 electrons
Fe (Iron)
An atom with a neutral charge and 24 electrons
Br (Bromine)
An atom with 43 protons
V (Vanadium)
An ion with 36 electrons and a charge of -1
Cr (Chromium)
At atom with 23 protons and a mass number of 43
Kr (Krypton)
1

Use the periodic table to fill out the table below. Assume all atoms are neutrally charged (i.e., they are not ions!)

1

What numbers did you write in the colored boxes in question 16? Match your answers below!

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
Pink
53
Orange
20
Green
13
Purple
64
Blue
5
1

Use the periodic table to fill out the table below.

1

What numbers did you write in the colored boxes in question 18? Match your answers below!

Draggable itemCorresponding Item
Orange
10
Pink
11
Green
+3
Blue
36
Purple
+1