ATOMS: SOME ELECTRIFYING INFORMATION!
In this investigation, you will detect the tiny particles that not only serve as the building blocks of matter, but also hold the key to understanding electricity.
Objective
When you have completed this investigation, you should be able to analyze the characteristics of subatomic particles in order to determine how the flow of electrons produces an electric current.
Activity 1: Do You Know the Atom?
1. Discuss with your neighbor what you think an atom looks like or think about it yourself. Draw your prediction below. Label any parts you can.
2. How do you think atoms are related to electricity? (You actually already know.)
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Activity 2: Pre-Reading
3. Preview the article, “The Atom,” paying specific attention to the use of text features. List 2 text features you see.
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4. Review the bold-faced terms from the article. Circle any of the terms with which you are familiar.
Vocabulary / Definition____ atom / a. the electrically neutral particles found in the nucleus of the atom
____ subatomic particles / b. the center of the atoms where the protons and neutrons are located
____ nucleus / c. the building blocks of all matter
____ protons / d. the area surrounding the nucleus occupied by the electrons of the atom
____ neutrons / e. the negatively charged particles circling the nucleus of the atom
____ electrons / f. the smaller particles within an atom
____ electron cloud / g. the positively charged particle found in the nucleus of the atom
Activity 3: Reading
5. Read the article, “The Atom.”
6. Match each term with its correct definition. Can you state the definition in your own words?
Activity 4: Post Reading
7. Complete the graphic organizer below. Use the vocabulary from Activities 2 and 3.
8. Complete Figure 1, “Structure of the Atom”, by drawing two electrons, two protons, and two
neutrons in the appropriate places. Use the symbols found in the key for each subatomic particle.
KEY
“+” = proton
“–” = electron
“ 0” = neutron
9. Label the electron cloud and the nucleus on “Structure of the Atom” diagram.
Activity 5: Analysis
10. Why is the electron the most likely subatomic particle to be lost or gained by an atom? Think
about the size, location, and movement of electrons as opposed to protons or neutrons.
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11. Electric current is the result of what event within the atoms of a substance?
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