Activity Overview
We once thought that atoms are indivisible, but we now know that they are made of three subatomic particles: the proton, the neutron, and the electron. This activity helps to reinforce the location, mass, and charge of these particles and the meaning of two key vocabulary terms: atomic number and mass number. Students will identify each part of an atom and describe how to find their atomic and mass numbers.
The proton and neutron are found in the nucleus of the atom. The proton has a relative mass of 1 amu and a relative charge of +1. The neutron has a relative mass of 1 amu and a neutral charge. Most of the mass of the atom is found in the small, dense nucleus because these two particles are the more massive of the three.
The electron, by comparison, has a mass almost 2000 times less than a proton or neutron. That means that it would take around 2000 electrons to equal the mass of one proton. Because the biggest atoms we know of have only 118 electrons, the electron contributes almost nothing to the atom in terms of mass. Each does, however, have a relative charge of -1.
The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in an atom. Because atoms are electrically neutral, the atomic number also tells us how many electrons are in a neutral atom.
The mass number is simply the mass of the atom. Since the protons and neutrons contribute the mass to the atom, the mass number tells us the number of protons and neutrons combined.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an atom diagram and explain the parts of an atom, focusing in on their atomic number, mass, and charge.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first row, identify and describe each part of the atom using arrows and textables.
- In the bottom row, describe what atomic and mass numbers are.
- Use appropriate characters and items, as well as the Atom model found in "Science"
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
We once thought that atoms are indivisible, but we now know that they are made of three subatomic particles: the proton, the neutron, and the electron. This activity helps to reinforce the location, mass, and charge of these particles and the meaning of two key vocabulary terms: atomic number and mass number. Students will identify each part of an atom and describe how to find their atomic and mass numbers.
The proton and neutron are found in the nucleus of the atom. The proton has a relative mass of 1 amu and a relative charge of +1. The neutron has a relative mass of 1 amu and a neutral charge. Most of the mass of the atom is found in the small, dense nucleus because these two particles are the more massive of the three.
The electron, by comparison, has a mass almost 2000 times less than a proton or neutron. That means that it would take around 2000 electrons to equal the mass of one proton. Because the biggest atoms we know of have only 118 electrons, the electron contributes almost nothing to the atom in terms of mass. Each does, however, have a relative charge of -1.
The atomic number is defined as the number of protons in an atom. Because atoms are electrically neutral, the atomic number also tells us how many electrons are in a neutral atom.
The mass number is simply the mass of the atom. Since the protons and neutrons contribute the mass to the atom, the mass number tells us the number of protons and neutrons combined.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create an atom diagram and explain the parts of an atom, focusing in on their atomic number, mass, and charge.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first row, identify and describe each part of the atom using arrows and textables.
- In the bottom row, describe what atomic and mass numbers are.
- Use appropriate characters and items, as well as the Atom model found in "Science"
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Parts of an Atom
Introduce a hands-on atom model activity using everyday classroom materials
Engage students by letting them build a physical atom model using common supplies like colored beads, pipe cleaners, and paper plates. This brings abstract concepts to life and helps reinforce the parts of an atom in a fun, memorable way.
Gather simple materials for model building
Collect items such as paper plates (nucleus base), colored beads or pom-poms (protons, neutrons, electrons), pipe cleaners or string (electron paths), and markers for labeling. These affordable supplies make the activity accessible for every classroom.
Assign particle colors for clarity
Choose a distinct color for each particle type (e.g., red for protons, blue for neutrons, yellow for electrons). This visual distinction helps students remember the differences and supports visual learners.
Build the nucleus and add electrons
Ask students to glue or tape protons and neutrons in the center of the plate to form the nucleus. Then, attach electrons to pipe cleaners or string and arrange them as orbits around the nucleus, showing how electrons move in different energy levels.
Label each part and review vocabulary
Have students use markers or sticky notes to label protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, and mass number on their models. This reinforces key terms and helps students connect visuals with vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parts of an Atom
What are the main parts of an atom and their charges?
An atom is made of three main parts: protons (positive charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negative charge). Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus.
How do you find the atomic number and mass number of an atom?
The atomic number equals the number of protons in an atom. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Both numbers help identify and describe different elements.
Why are electrons considered to have almost no mass compared to protons and neutrons?
Electrons have a mass nearly 2000 times less than a proton or neutron. This means their contribution to an atom’s total mass is almost negligible, so most of the atom’s mass comes from protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
What is the difference between atomic number and mass number in an atom?
The atomic number is the total number of protons in an atom, which defines the element. The mass number is the combined total of protons and neutrons, showing the atom’s total mass.
How can students easily remember the locations of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom?
Remember that protons and neutrons are in the nucleus (center), while electrons move around the nucleus in energy levels or shells. A diagram or model can help reinforce these locations visually.
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