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Elemental Science Exploration

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Elemental Science Exploration

Investigate how atoms, molecules and lattices help explain the materials around us. Read the clues, use the particle model, and justify your ideas. Use complete sentences where needed.

Clue board: particles and atoms

An element contains only one type of atom. Atoms are made of a nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, with electrons around it. Protons are positively charged, neutrons have no charge, and electrons are negatively charged. Atoms can join to form molecules. In some solids, particles form a regular, repeating lattice rather than separate molecules. Metals are generally good conductors and can be bent or drawn into wires; many non-metals are poor conductors and brittle when solid.

Investigate the evidence

Use the clue board and particle models to solve the cases.

1.A sealed container holds only helium atoms. Is helium an element, a molecule, or both? Explain your choice.

2.Water particles each contain two hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom. What is one water particle called, and how many atoms does it contain?

3.Table salt is made of sodium and chloride particles arranged in a repeating structure. Choose its basic structure.

A single atom
A separate molecule
A lattice

4.Oxygen gas consists of pairs of oxygen atoms bonded together (O₂). Is each particle an atom or a molecule? Is oxygen still an element?

5.A student says, “If a substance contains molecules, it cannot be an element.” Use oxygen gas to explain why this claim is incorrect.

6.Which set of properties is most likely to describe a metal such as copper?

Shiny, conducts electricity, and can be bent
Dull, brittle, and a poor conductor
Always a gas and unable to conduct heat

7.A metal spoon and a wooden spoon are placed in warm water. Which one is likely to conduct heat along its handle more effectively? Explain using a property of metals.

8.Complete the atom facts: the positively charged particles are called ; the particles with no charge are ; negatively charged particles are .

9.Carbon has 6 protons and 6 neutrons in its nucleus, with 6 electrons around it. How many particles are in its nucleus altogether?

10.For a simple carbon atom model, place 6 electrons into shells: the first shell holds up to 2, and the second shell holds the remaining electrons. How many go in each shell?

11.Draw a simple atom and label the nucleus, protons, neutrons and electrons. Show the protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons around it.

12.A crystal sample has a repeating arrangement of the same kind of atom throughout. Is it necessarily a compound? Explain your reasoning.