How to Make a 3D Structure of a Platinum Atom
Platinum is a chemical element, included in the periodic table under the chemical symbol Pt. Its atom consists of a nucleus of 78 protons and 117 neutrons, and six energy levels of 78 electrons overall. As the platinum atom's structure is quite complicated, creating a three-dimensional model is a challenging task. The easiest way to depict energy levels is using iron wire, which is a dangerous material for children to handle. Therefore, an adult's help is essential.
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Instructions
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Form six circles by carefully bending iron wire. Do not use insulating tape to keep the shape yet. The smallest circle -- first energy level -- must have a diameter of 4 inches, the second one a diameter of 5 inches and so forth until the sixth circle, with a diameter of 9 inches.
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Form 1/4-inch spheres of clay for the electrons. Every type of subatomic particle in your model must feature a distinct color, so use the same clay color for all electrons.
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Place two clay spheres on the first energy level, eight spheres on the second, 18 spheres on the third, 32 spheres on the fourth, 17 spheres on the fifth and just one sphere on the sixth level. Do not pay attention to the exact position of the spheres on the circles. Count all spheres to ensure there are 78 overall.
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Use insulating tape to close the circles and keep their shape. Place each circle on the rod and apply insulating tape over the two spots where the wire touches the plastic. Ensure the first, third and fifth energy levels face toward you and the second, fourth and sixth levels face left, giving a three-dimensional feel to your craft.
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Assemble the nucleus using tiny spheres of clay. Use two different colors for the 78 protons and 117 neutrons. If the initial clay spheres cannot stay on the plastic rod, apply some glue, place the spheres on the surface and allow the glue to dry.
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Continue assembling the core until you have added all proton and neutron spheres. As the number of the particles is high, each sphere's diameter must be 1/12 of an inch.
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Tips & Warnings
Electrons, neutrons and protons don't have to be the same size in your model. However, if there is a large difference with spheres on wires and those on the plastic rod, try to make the former a bit smaller, without ruining the wire circles.
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