To simulate a sodium atom (Na) with an atomic mass of 23, students need to accurately represent its subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. A typical sodium atom has:
- Protons: 11
- Neutrons: 12 (since the atomic mass is approximately equal to the sum of protons and neutrons; 23 - 11 = 12)
- Electrons: 11 (a neutral atom has the same number of electrons as protons)
Given the materials specified:
- Baseballs: Represent protons, so students will need 11 baseballs to represent the 11 protons.
- Tennis balls: Represent neutrons, so students will need 12 tennis balls to represent the 12 neutrons.
- Marbles: Represent electrons, so students will need 11 marbles to represent the 11 electrons.
Summary of materials needed to build a sodium atom:
- 11 baseballs (for protons)
- 12 tennis balls (for neutrons)
- 11 marbles (for electrons)