How to Build an Atom Mobile
An atom consists of a nucleus of protons and neutrons, and a cloud of electrons orbiting the nucleus. Physics has shown that electrons exist but if you managed to stop one, there would be nothing there! To overcome this problem, most model atoms are based on the theory devised by Niels Bohr, a Danish scientist, who suggested that electrons inhabit several different orbits around the nucleus. Atom mobiles are best modeled on the Bohr atom.
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Things You'll Need
- Model makers' wire
- Plastic ball about three inches wide
- Glue
- Black buttons
- Green buttons
- Red beads
- Duct tape
- Fishing line
Instructions
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1
Glue black and green buttons all over the surface of the plastic ball. These represent the neutrons and protons that form the nucleus of the atom. Use an instant-dry glue to cover the entire ball in one go. If using a slower-drying glue, cover half the ball, allow the glue to dry, and then do the other half.
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2
Create a wire circle, larger than the nucleus and of the maximum desired width of the mobile. Slide any number of red beads onto the wire, space them evenly, and then glue them in place. Close the wire circle by slightly overlapping the ends of the wire and binding them together with strong tape.
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3
Create a second and a third wire ring, each smaller than the previous one, but bigger than the nucleus. Add beads to the wires and glue them into place. Join the ends of the wires by overlapping them and securing them with tape.
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4
Glue the end of a length of fishing line to the nucleus ball, and allow the glue to dry. Hang the nucleus in the center of the smallest ring, knot the line around the hoop and glue it in position. Hang this hoop within the next largest hoop and continue adding hoops until they are all attached to the line.
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5
Measure enough additional fishing line to cover the distance from the top of the mobile to the point from which it will be hung, and then cut the line. Terminate it in a loop.
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Tips & Warnings
Different atoms have different numbers of electron rings around them, so experiment with various numbers of wire hoops to create larger or smaller mobiles.
Hang the hoops so they are at 90 degrees to each other to increase the 3-D look of the mobile.
Research a real atom and use it as the basis of the mobile. If you like a challenge, try Ununoctium with 112 protons, 165 neutrons and 112 electrons!
If you use one of the "instant" glues, make sure you handle it carefully. It can stick almost anything to anything else -- in seconds!
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
