Activity Two!

Lithium: 3 protons (nickels), 3 electrons (quarters), 4 neutrons (pennies).

Atomic Number: 3.

Atomic Mass: 6.941.

Helium: 2 protons (nickels), 2 electrons (quarters), 2 neutrons (pennies).

Atomic Number: 2.

Atomic Mass: 4.00.

Boron: 5 protons (nickels), 5 electrons (quarters), 6 neutrons (pennies).

Atomic Number: 5.

Atomic Mass: 10.811.

3. In your models, which two subatomic particles are equal in number?

            Protons and electrons.

4. How would you make an isotope for one of your models?  What would change with the model?

To make an isotope out of one of my models, I would need to add or subtract a neutron.  This creates an isotope while keeping the same atomic number.

5. Considering the overall volume of your element models, what makes up most of the volume of an atom?

There is a lot of empty space located in an atom which actually makes up most of the volume of the overall atom.

6. For one of your models, show with another image what happens when energy excites an electron.

When energy excited an electron it is called an excited state.  This is when the energy excited the electron and the electron jumps to a higher energy level.

7. Once the electron is excited, what do we typically observe when the electron returns to the ground-state?  

When an electron returns to its ground-state it is releasing the energy that excited it.  When this happens we see a visible form of light.

8. Why are some elements different colors when they are excited? Hint: when electrons are excited (by something like heat from an explosive) they move up to another orbital and when they fall back they release the energy in the form of light. 

Some elements have different colors because they have different quantities of electrons losing their energy.

9. With the Fourth of July coming up quickly, explain how the colors of fireworks arise.

The colors of the fireworks come from burning chemical compounds and different temperatures of hot metals.  Certain chemical compounds give off a certain color.  For example, barium is used to create green colors.

10.  Explain the overall organizational structure of the periodic table.

The periodic table is organized first by the atoms atomic numbers and chemical properties.  However, it is also structured by certain groups based off an atom’s valence electrons.  These groups are the Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth, Halogens, Noble Gases, Transition Metals, Non-Metals, and Metalloids.

11. List two example elements for each of these groups or classes: Alkali Metals, Alkaline Earth, Halogens, Noble Gases, Transition Metals, Non-Metals, and Metalloids.

            Alkali Metals:  Lithium and Sodium.

            Alkaline Earth:  Magnesium and Calcium.

            Halogens:  Chlorine and Bromine.

            Noble Gases:  Helium and Neon.

            Transition Metals:  Copper and Zinc.

            Non-Metals:  Oxygen and Sulfur.

            Metalloids:  Boron and Silicon.