Explain: Structure of Atoms

Explain: Structure of Atoms

Today's Objective!

SWBAT to develop a model to describe the composition of an atom.

Why is it important to know about atoms?

​Elements

• ​Elements are substances that cannot be separated into simpler substances

• ​They are the building blocks of ALL other substances

• ​The smallest unit of an element is an atom.

Properties of Elements

• ​Atoms of different elements have a unique set of properties from each other

• ​Atoms of the SAME element will have the SAME properties

• ​The image shows a sample of silver (Ag) and gold (Au), each of which is a different element from each other.

Open Ended

Look at this image of silver and gold. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?

Poll

Can different elements share some similar properties? What do you think

• Yes they can!

• I think so, not 100% sure

• I don't think so, not 100% sure

• Absolutely not!

Substances can be different

• ​Some times, even substances made of the same elements can appear different!

• ​However, the atoms of the same element are always the same

• ​Take a look at this diamond and graphite, both of which are made out of the same element, Carbon.

Open Ended

Both diamond and graphite are made of the same type of atom, called carbon. If they are made of the same type of atom, why do you think they have such different physical properties?

​Atoms make up everything!

• Atoms are responsible for making up ALL matter that exists

• ​Every object you see is made up of a HUGE NUMBER of atoms - think in the trillions!

• The way atoms combine and arrange themselves is what determines the physical properties of substances, like the diamond and graphite.

​*The element neon actually only makes a red light.

Open Ended

Think About It:

What do you think makes each different type of atom unique?

​What are Atoms Made of?

​Let's Find Out...

Atoms are made of subatomic particles

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Electrons

Positive Protons! :)

• Located in the center of the atom, called the nucleus

• Protons have a positive electrical charge (+)

• The number of protons determines its number on the Periodic Table

Multiple Choice

Helium (He) is the second element on the Periodic Table. How many protons would a helium atom have?

• 0

• 1

• 2

• Not enough information

Electrons :(

• Tiny particles that orbit the center of the atom

• Electrons have a negative electrical charge (-)

• Usually, there is an equal amount of electrons as protons

Open Ended

Think about it: Why do you think the electrons don't separate from the rest of the atom?

Neutral Neutrons. :|

• Neutrons are located in the center of the atom just like protons

• Neutrons do NOT have an electrical charge (0)

• Similar amount as protons

Open Ended

This is a cropped image of a Carbon atom. There are 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 4 electrons. What do you think might be missing in this image?

Assignment: Build an atom

• Open up the Google Slides under today's assignment (10/27)

• Read the instructions to build a Boron atom

• Answer the "Exit Questions" on the last slide.