Using The Periodic Table Of Elements
To Create Models Of Atoms
Mr. Conant ˇ Memorial Middle School ˇBeverly, MA
Student's Page
Essential Questions
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What are the three types of elements in the periodic table?
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What are families and periods in relation to periodic table of elements?
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What are the three ingredients that make up an atom? Where is their specific location in the atom?
Introduction
In class you have learned about the periodic table of elements, the way it is organized, what the information in each box means and some interesting facts about some famous elements. Now that we know a bit about the periodic table of elements it is time to learn about the ingredients in every atom such as protons, neutrons and electrons.
Protons & Electrons
The protons are located in the nucleus of the atom and have a positive charge. Neutrons are also located in the nucleus of the atom, but these have a neutral or no charge. The electrons are the negative charged portion of the atom and are located in the atom's outer shells. You may be asking yourself the question, "How many protons, neutrons and electrons are there in an atom?". The answer to this lies in the periodic table of elements. Each element has its own physical make-up. The atomic number of the element tells us that an atom of that element contains that number of electrons and protons. For example, the element hydrogen has an atomic number of 1. Therefore, an atom of hydrogen contains 1 proton in its nucleus and 1 electron in its outer shell.
Neutrons
Neutrons on the other hand are more complicated. The atomic mass of an element is primarily in the nucleus of an atom where protons and neutrons are located. Since the atomic number is equal to the number of protons in an atom you can subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass to get the number of neutrons. Lets try an example.
Fluorine
Atomic
mass 18.9 (round to 19)
Atomic number 9 (also # of protons)
19 (atomic mass) - 9 (atomic #) = 10 (number of neutrons)
Task
To begin this task you will read about the periodic table and its elements on Chem4kids: Elements. Pay close attention to terms like periods, groups and shells. Pay extra close attention to the maximum amount of electrons that each outer shell can handle. This piece of information will help you when drawing your models.
After you familiarize yourself with elements, answer the questions that are on your worksheet.
The next portion of this assignment is to draw models of some elements. To do this, you will be divided into three groups, the Protons, the Neutrons and the Electrons. You will get your assignment in class. In addition to drawing models of some elements, you will have to answer some questions related to the element drawn. These questions are located on your worksheet. To help you with finding the answers to the information related to your atoms use these two links:
When trying to find out information about a particular element, click on the element in the periodic table.
Evaluation
Your worksheet will be collected, corrected and counted as a quiz grade. Make sure that you answer all questions neatly and completely. Also, use color in your drawings. Choose a color for the major ingredients in your atom, such as nucleus, shells, protons, neutrons and electrons. Most importantly, have fun with this project!
Online Resources
Los Alamos: Periodic Table of Elements
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