making models of atoms
Construction of an Atomic Model
It is not possible to create a scaled model of an atom. The proportion of distance between the nucleus and electrons cannot be exactly maintained in models. This article is an attempt to help you construct an atomic model.
The information presented in this article states the steps that need to be followed to make an atomic model. For the sake of this article, we focus on the nitrogen atom. A nitrogen atom is formed of 7 protons, 7 neutrons, and 7 electrons. These components (protons, neutrons and electrons) are neither too less nor too great in number. Creating a model of this atom should therefore, be easy for kids.
Planetary Model of an Atom
In the planetary model parts of an atom, the protons and neutrons are situated at the center. The central portion of an atom is known as nucleus. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in a circular path. This revolution of electrons resembles that of planets in the solar system. A wooden base measuring 8 sq. inch. would suffice. This base helps in mounting all components of the atom. To make the protons, neutrons, and electrons, you require spherical objects. Let us understand the process of making such a model in a step-by-step manner.
- First drill a hole in the wooden base. This hole should be at the center of the wooden base.
- The hole made in the wooden base should be used to glue a rod. The rod is meant for mounting the nucleus of the atom.
- A foam ball needs to be used for making the nucleus. Cut the foam ball into two halves. This will help in depicting components present inside the nucleus.
- One of the halves of this foam ball should be glued to the wooden rod.
- After the nucleus has been made, it is time to make the protons, and neutrons. The Styrofoam balls used to make the protons and neutrons need to be smaller in size than the one used for nucleus. The balls used as protons can be given different colors than those meant for neutrons.
- Smaller Styrofoam balls should be added to the larger one which is meant for nucleus.
- The next step is to create circular rings and electrons which slide on these rings.
- Take a circular-shaped wire and the Styrofoam balls that were meant for creating electrons and slide them over this ring.
- A comparatively stiff wire should be used in making a base for the ring.