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How to Make an Atom Model Project

Creating a 3D model of an atom can help you to clearly visualize certain concepts regarding atomic structure, like the placement of the nucleus as well as the number of protons, electrons and neutrons. Your model design will depend entirely on the element you've chosen or been assigned to represent as the number of protons, electrons and neutrons varies. You'll need to first consult the periodic table of elements to find out the specifics. After you've done your research, you'll be able to gauge exactly how many supplies you'll need to gather to create a 3D model.

Things You'll Need

Periodic table
Styrofoam balls
Spray paint
Permanent marker
Wire
Plasticine clay
Fishing line

Instructions

- 1
  Separate your Styrofoam balls into piles representing the protons and the neutrons. Place the piles in a covered outdoor or well-ventilated area. Spray paint each pile with a different color and allow two to four hours' drying time.
- 2
  Mark the protons with plus signs using your permanent marker.
- 3
  Hot glue the protons and neutrons together in a cluster so that the plus signs on the protons are facing outward; this will form the atom's nucleus.
- 4
  Form a ring around the nucleus using wire of a desired thickness. You can cut old wire coat hangers and bend them to an appropriate shape if you do not have any wire on hand.
- 5
  Roll colored plasticine into small balls the shape of gum balls to represent the electrons around the outside of the nucleus. Form as many electrons as your element requires and string them onto the wire ring.
- 6
  Twist the edges of the wire ring closed. Tie a piece of fishing line around the nucleus and then tie the loose end to the wire ring.

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