Question

building an atom model activity - worksheet
directions: read the background information and use it to answer questions about your model.
● an atom has three main parts; a proton, a neutron and an electron.
● these parts are present in different amounts for different elements.
● this makes every element unique and gives it different properties.
the proton and neutron are located in the nucleus, or center, of the atom.

1. look at your model. which colors were in the center?

electrons are located in the outside, or orbitals, of the atom.

1. look at your model. which color was on the outside?
2. make an observation about size.

a. which colors in your model have the same size?
b. which color in your model is a different size?
c. think, why might the sizes be different? what might it tell you about an atom in real life?

1. look at quantities (number) of different colors. which colors have the same amount?

the proton determines which element you have. they are located in the center of the atom, and are the same size as the neutrons, but the number of protons matches electrons.
knowing this, which color represented the protons?
challenge: which element did you just make?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify center - protons and neutrons

Since protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom in the model, we need to look at the colors in the center of the physical model made. But as we don't have the actual model colors, we can't give a specific answer.

Step2: Identify outside - electrons

Electrons are on the outside. Again, without seeing the model, we can't specify the color.

Step3: Analyze size

Protons and neutrons are the same size in real - life atoms. In the model, we would look for colors that seem to be of equal size. Without the model, we can't answer. For the color of different size, we would also need to see the model. The different sizes in the model might represent the different masses or importance of the sub - atomic particles in a visual way.

Step4: Analyze quantities

We would count the number of each color in the model. Protons and electrons have the same quantity in a neutral atom. Without the model, we can't say which colors have the same amount. To determine the element, we need to know the number of protons (represented by a color in the model). Without the model details, we can't answer the element.

Answer:

1. Cannot be determined without seeing the model.
2. Cannot be determined without seeing the model.
3. a. Cannot be determined without seeing the model.

b. Cannot be determined without seeing the model.
c. The different sizes might represent differences in mass or significance of sub - atomic particles in the model.

1. Cannot be determined without seeing the model.

The color representing protons: Cannot be determined without seeing the model.
The element made: Cannot be determined without seeing the model.