Unit 6: Atoms

SC.912.P.8.3 - Explore the scientific theory of atoms (also known as atomic theory) by describing changes in the atomic model over time and why those changes were necessitated by experimental evidence. (Content Complexity Level 3)

• analyze and differentiate among the theories and associated scientists that led to the modern atomic theory

• discuss the importance of certain experiments (e.g., cathode ray tube and gold foil that led to the discovery of the particles that make up the atom)

• explain how certain experiments led to the creation of the historical and modern atom models (e.g., the plum pudding atom and the nuclear atom)

SC.912.P.8.4 - Explore the scientific theory of atoms (also known as atomic theory) by describing the structure of atoms in terms of protons, neutrons and electrons, and differentiate among these particles in terms of their mass, electrical charges and locations within the atom. (Content Complexity Level 3)

• identify the number of atomic orbitals, electrons, neutrons, protons, and the location of each subatomic particle for a given atom

• differentiate among identification, description, location, mass, and electrical charge of subatomic particles

• describe the structure of atoms

• explain that electrons, protons and neutrons are parts of the atom and that the nuclei of atoms are composed of protons and neutrons, which experience forces of attraction and repulsion consistent with their charges and masses

• How do experiments lead to change in scientific thinking?

• Why did the thinking about the atomic theory change over time?

• Why was Rutherford’s gold foil experiment such a pivotal point in the development of the atomic theory?

• Why does the location of a subatomic particle indicate its type?

• How would you compare atomic structure to a visible (known) structure?