Atoms Demonstrations
See also: Elements and Periodic Table, Nuclear Physics
Atoms are the basic units of matter that still retain the properties of an element. This category focuses on the structure of atoms, the particles they contain, and how they combine to form more complex substances. Learning about atoms helps explain the composition of matter and underpins much of modern science.
| Demonstration | Materials | Difficulty | Safety | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Spectra With a Diffraction Grating | ★★☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Using a diffraction grating and a gas discharge tube, you can observe the unique emission lines of different elements. These distinct line patterns reveal the quantized energy levels of electrons in atoms. |
| Making Marshmallow Molecules | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | This activity uses colored marshmallows and toothpicks to model atoms, molecules, and compounds. By assembling marshmallows to represent different elements and connecting them with toothpicks as covalent bonds, students can visualize how atoms combine to form molecules and chemical structures. |
| Methanol Flame Colors | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | Metal salts are heated in burning methanol to produce vivid flame colors that correspond to electronic transitions in their ions. |
| Flame Tests | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | ★★☆ | Different metal ions produce characteristic flame colors when their solutions are heated in a flame. |
| Cloud Chamber | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | A cloud chamber makes it possible to see the invisible tracks of cosmic rays and other charged particles as they pass through alcohol vapor. Using dry ice and isopropanol, students can build a detector that reveals trails left by subatomic particles. |
Materials
★☆☆ Easy to get from supermarket or hardware store
★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories
Difficulty
★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
★★★ Requires a more experienced teacher
Safety
★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely
★★★ Only to be attempted with adequate safety procedures and trained staff