Student Worksheet

Build an Atom
Learning

Objectives

Recognize that elements are built of one kind of atom made of protons, neutrons, and
electrons.
Recall that atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Discover that elements are determined by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Recognize that all atoms of an element contain the same number of protons.
Describe the definition of atomic number as the number of protons in the atom.

Identify the definition of atomic mass as roughly the number of protons plus neutrons.

How to Do this Exploration

Read the Introduction and click the Continue button.

Complete the Input Chart below for each combination of protons, neutrons, and electrons as
you complete these steps:
Enter the Input Combination and then press the Play button to discover the element
created. Record the resulting symbol and name.
- Watch electron(s) circling in the atomic model and note the number of protons and
neutrons. Then click on Choose Another and enter another combination from the chart
below.
-

Reread the Introduction and figure out the correct combination for the last element, Carbon.
Hint: The atomic number also represents the number of electrons in an atom.

Input Chart
Input Combination

Element Created
Symbol

Name

Carbon

1/0/1
2/2/2
3/4/3
4/5/4
5/6/5

Check for Understanding

1. How many protons are in Beryllium?

2. What was the atomic mass of Lithium?

3.

What was the atomic number of Carbon?