Activity: Exploring the Atom

In an atom of lithium-6 there are _________protons and ____________neutrons

3 3

In an atom of beryllium-9 there are ________ protons and ________neutrons.

4 5

In an atom of nitrogen-15 there are ________protons and _______neutrons.

7 8

Which of the following would change the type of element? (choose all the apply)

Adding a proton Removing a proton

Create an atom containing 1 proton, 1 neutron, and 1 electron. Now look at the atomic symbol and answer the following:

Atomic Number = 1 Mass number = 2 Element = H

Now add a second proton to the atom (total of 2 protons, 1 neutron, 1 electron) and notice what occurs to the atomic symbol. Now answer the following:

Atomic number = 2 Mass number = 3 Element = He

Now add a second electron to the atom (total of 2 protons, 2 neutrons, 2 electrons) and notice what occurs to the atomic symbol. Answer the following:

Atomic number = 2 Mass number = 4 Element = He

Now add a second neutron to the atom (total of 2 protons, 2 neutrons, 1 electron) and notice what occurs to the atomic symbol. Answer the following:

Atomic number = 2 Mass number = 4 Element = He

What would happen to the atom if you add another proton? (total of 4 protons, 3 neutrons, 3 electrons)

It would become beryllium

Create an atom with 3 protons, 3 neutrons, and 3 electrons. What is the identity of the element?

Li

If you don't already have one, create an atom with 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. Now play around by adding and removing protons (leave the neutrons and electrons alone). Which of the following change? (choose all that apply)

Mass number Element Atomic number

Which of the following would change the mass number of an element? (choose all that apply)

adding a proton removing a neutron removing a proton adding a neutron

Create an atom with 5 protons, 5 neutrons, and 5 electrons. What is the identity of this isotope?

boron-10

Now add a neutron to this atom (total of 5 protons, 6 neutrons, 5 electrons). What is the identity of this isotope?

boron-11

Reset the simulation by clicking the circular orange button with the white arrow. Create an atom with 2 protons, 2 neutrons, and 2 electrons. Now play around by adding and removing neutrons (leave the protons and electrons alone). Which of the following change? (choose all that apply)

mass number