How to Make a 3-D Model of the Atomic Structure of Gold

Gold nuggest are composed of innumerable gold atoms.

An atom of any element consists of a nucleus and electrons orbiting around that nucleus. The nucleus of an atom is composed of protons and neutrons. Each element contains a unique number of protons, which is known as the element's atomic number. The number of neutrons can vary between different elements and different isotopes of the same element. A neutral atom contains the same number of protons and electrons and the electrons are distributed around the atom in different energy levels or shells. The electrons in the outermost energy level are known as valence electrons. A gold atom has 79 protons and one valence electron.

Things You'll Need

• Large Styrofoam ball
• Skewer stick
• Small Styrofoam ball

Instructions

1. Obtain a large Styrofoam ball. The ball should have a diameter of at least 3 inches. This ball will represent the nucleus of the gold atom.

2. Take a skewer stick and insert the dull end securely into the large Styrofoam ball. You can insert the stick at any location on the ball.

3. Obtain a small Styrofoam ball with a diameter of about 1 inch. Push the small ball onto the sharp end of the skewer sticking out of the large ball. This ball represents the lone valence electron of the gold atom.

References

• "Physics"; Douglas C. Giancoli; 1998

Resources

• Dynamic Periodic Table
• Georgia State University: Hyperphysics; Atomic Properties; C. R. Nave; 2011