Activity 3: Build an atom

Activity: Building an atom: 110_Activity_BuildingAtom.docx

Find the simulation online:

Go to the University of Colorado – Boulder PhET website at: http://phet.colorado.edu   

Click “Play with Sims”, then click “Chemistry” on the left-hand side menu.  Find the “Build an Atom” Simulation and click RUN (or you can download it if you prefer).

WARNING:  This simulation requires Java – if you don’t have it, install it for free at http://java.com/en. If you have difficulty, contact your instructor asap.

Settings to use:
Click the two green “+” signs on the right hand side of the screen. Make sure the model shows orbits, not cloud. (To the left of the Net Charge box.) Under the box with the Net Charge, make sure all the check boxes are checked (to show element name, neutral/ion, and stable/unstable.)

Background and Purpose
All matter is composed of atoms. Atoms are composed of smaller particles, protons, neutrons and electrons. The purpose of this activity is to explore the basic structure of atoms. It doesn't require any previous knowledge, and is meant to be an exploration.  If you are having trouble with it, take a look at Science 101: Chemistry as a reference or read this: http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_structure.html

You have unlimited time to answer the questions while using the simulation. Go ahead and start the quiz to get some directions!