Homemade Model of a Copper Atom
Copper is one of the most well-known chemical elements of the periodic table, as it is easy to notice its applications in everyday life. Coins are made of copper, as are wires, pipes and cookware. However, if a student accepted the challenge of making a copper atom model because he knew the element, he will find that the atomic structure of copper is quite complicated.
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Structure of the Atom
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A copper atom is composed of 29 protons and 35 neutrons -- which together form the nucleus -- and 29 electrons. The electrons are structured into four energy levels: The first level contains just two electrons; the second level contains eight; the third level, 18; and the fourth level contains only one electron. The number of the subatomic particles and their position within the atom must be your main concern when forming the model.
Materials
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All subatomic particles can be depicted as clay balls. However, you need three different colors of clay, so that protons, neutrons and electrons are easily distinguishable. Since the atomic structure of copper is quite complicated to reproduce in three dimensions, you should use a flat surface to place the clay particles. For this reason, the four energy levels must also feature distinct colors, so that viewers can see easily how many electrons belong in each level.
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Forming the Nucleus
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Create two groups of clay balls, one containing 29 balls and the other 35 balls. All balls must have a 6/16-inch diameter, but you must use a different color of clay for each group. Gently blend the balls and press them together, to create a large ball, representing the nucleus. Ensure individual proton and neutron balls don't lose their round shape in the process. Measure the nucleus diameter and draw a circle of equal diameter using a compass on a large blank piece of paper.
Electrons and Energy Levels
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Use a yellow coloring pen to paint the circle you have just created. With the compass' needle on the yellow circle's center, draw four concentric circles, increasing each circle's diameter by 1 inch. Use a different color for each of the four rings. To avoid making a rainbow, use similar, but easily distinguishable colors, such as light blue, blue, light purple and purple. Make 5/16-inch clay balls of a distinct third color and place them in the four energy levels, as described above.
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References
Resources
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