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Basic Electricity Worksheet
38 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt
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Question 7 of 38
Different types of atoms are distinguished by different numbers of elementary particles within them. Determine the numbers of elementary particles within each of these types of atoms:
- • Carbon
- • Hydrogen
- • Helium
- • Aluminum
Hint: look up each of these elements on a periodic table.
Reveal answerEach atom of carbon is guaranteed to contain 6 protons. Unless the atom is electrically charged, it will contain 6 electrons as well to balance the charge of the protons. Most carbon atoms contain 6 neutrons, but some may contain more or less than 6.
Each atom of hydrogen is guaranteed to contain 1 proton. Unless the atom is electrically charged, it will contain 1 electron as well to balance the charge of the one proton. Most hydrogen atoms contain no neutrons, but some contain either one or two neutrons.
Each atom of helium is guaranteed to contain 2 protons. Unless the atom is electrically charged, it will contain 2 electrons as well to balance the charge of the protons. Most helium atoms contain 2 neutrons, but some may contain more or less than 2.
Each atom of aluminum is guaranteed to contain 13 protons. Unless the atom is electrically charged, it will contain 13 electrons as well to balance the charge of the protons. Most aluminum atoms contain 14 neutrons, but some may contain more or less than 14.
While you’re researching the numbers of particles inside each of these atom types, you may come across these terms: atomic number and atomic mass (sometimes called atomic weight). Be prepared to discuss what these two terms mean.
Notes:Be sure to ask your students what definitions they found for “atomic number” and “atomic mass”.
It is highly recommended that students seek out periodic tables to help them with their research on this question. The ordering of elements on a periodic table may provoke a few additional questions such as, “Why are the different elements arranged like this?” This may build to a very interesting discussion on basic chemistry, so be prepared to engage in such an interaction on these subjects if necessary.
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Question 8 of 38
Of the three types of “elementary particles” constituting atoms, determine which type(s) influence the following properties of an element:
- • The chemical identity of the atoms (whether it is an atom of nitrogen, iron, silver, or some other element).
- • The mass of the atom.
- • The electrical charge of the atom.
- • Whether or not it is radioactive (spontaneous disintegration of the nucleus).
Reveal answer- • The chemical identity of the atoms: protons.
- • The mass of the atom: neutrons and protons, and to a much lesser extent, electrons.
- • The electrical charge of the atom: electrons and protons (whether or not the numbers are equal).
- • Whether or not it is radioactive: neutrons, although one might also say protons in some cases, as there are no known “stable” (non-radioactive) isotopes of certain elements, the identity of an element being determined strictly by the number of protons.
Notes:It never ceases to fascinate me how many of the basic properties of elements is determined by a simple integer count of particles within each atom’s nucleus.
In the answer, I introduce the word isotope. Let students research what this term means. Don’t simply tell them!
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Question 9 of 38
The Greek word for amber (fossilized resin) is elektron. Explain how this came to be the word describing a certain type of subatomic particle (electron).
Reveal answerWhen a piece of amber is rubbed with a cloth, a static electric charge develops on both objects. Early experimenters postulated the existence of an invisible fluid that was transferred between the amber and the cloth. Later, it was discovered that tiny sub-atomic particles constituted this “fluid,” and the name electron was given to them.
Notes:This question provides a good opportunity to discuss the history of electricity, and how its understanding and mastery has dramatically changed peoples’ lives. Be sure to ask questions about Benjamin Franklin and the modeling of electricity as a fluid. Scientific discovery is often assisted by models, but may also be hindered by them as well. Franklin’s model of electricity as a fluid has done both (conventional versus electron flow notation)!
Related Tools:
- Performance-Based Assessments for Semiconductor Circuit Competencies
- Specific Resistance of Conductors
