Modelling atoms

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Introduction

Matter is made of atoms. The word atom comes from the Greek word atmos. This word means cannot be split and originally it was thought that the atom was the smallest division of matter. Scientists now believe that there are many parts to an atom.

A ball with fours balls orbiting

A simple model of an atom

Explore

Open the Exploring atoms activity1 (requires Flash) and explore different models of the atom. Look at the Electronic structure of the first 20 elements2.

Your task

Now carry out one of the following:

pdf icon

Use Adobe Acrobat to create a PDF to describe the terms provided.

collaborate icon

Create a PowerPoint presentation on two different models of the structure of an atom.

camera icon

Make a model atom out of modelling clay and record it using digital photography.

Syllabus links | Teaching notes (.DOCX 59KB)

Links

  1. http://tlf.dlr.det.nsw.edu.au/learningobjects/Content/L3125/object/index.html
  2. https://www.absorblearning.com/media/item.action?quick=sh