PhET Interactive Simulations
University of Colorado Boulder
https://phet.colorado.edu
Topics Addressed by the "Build an Atom" Simulation
- Atoms
- Atomic Structure
- Isotope Symbols
- Atomic Nuclei
Description of the "Build an Atom" Simulation
Build an atom out of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and see how the element, charge, and mass change. Then play a game to test your ideas!
Sample Learning Goals for the "Build an Atom" Simulation
- Use the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons to draw a model of the atom, identify the element, and determine the mass and charge.
- Predict how addition or subtraction of a proton, neutron, or electron will change the element, the charge, and the mass.
- Use the element name, mass, and charge to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
- Define proton, neutron, electron, atom, and ion.
- Generate an isotopic symbol for an atom, given the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
