Question

1. go to the website: phet.colorado.edu. click on html5 simulations on top right of screen and choose the build an atom simulation (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build - an - atom) 2. explore the build an atom simulation with your group. as you explore, talk about what you find. list two things your group observed in the simulation. a. b. 2. click on the + sign for each of the boxes (element name, net charge and mass number) to view changes as you change the number of particles in the atom 3. what particle(s) are found in the center of the atom? 4. play until you discover which particle(s) determine(s) the name of the element you build 5. what is the name of the following atoms? a. an atom with 3 protons and 4 neutrons: b. an atom with 2 protons and 4 neutrons: c. an atom with 4 protons and 4 neutrons: 6. play with the simulation to discover which particles affect the charge of an atom or ion. 7. fill in the blanks below to show your results: a. neutral atoms have the same number of protons and electrons. b. positive ions have ____________ protons than electrons. c. negative ions have ____________ protons than electrons. 8. develop a relationship (in the form of a single sentence or equation) that can predict the charge based on the number and types of particle.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall atomic structure basics

Protons and neutrons are in the nucleus (center of the atom).

Step2: Identify element - proton relationship

The number of protons determines the element name. For 3 protons, it's lithium; 2 protons is helium; 4 protons is beryllium.

Step3: Analyze ion - charge relationship

Positive ions have more protons than electrons. Negative ions have fewer protons than electrons. The charge of an atom or ion can be predicted by Charge = Number of Protons - Number of Electrons.

Answer:

1. a - c (answers may vary based on simulation observations)
2. Protons and neutrons are found in the center of the atom.
3. Protons determine the name of the element.
4. a. Lithium

b. Helium
c. Beryllium

1. a. the same number of

b. more
c. fewer

1. Charge = Number of Protons - Number of Electrons