8/20 - 8/27 Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Mr. Sam Harrelson

MS Room 312
Email: sam.harrelson@sdsgriffin.org
Tel: 864-381-7374 (or 864-381-SDSG)
http://griffinscience.com

Following are the six objectives we’ll be learning this week as a part of our study of
Physical Science. Your quiz starting next Thursday and the test covering this
material may use questions directly from the assignments below.

It is highly recommended that you work on this guide all throughout the coming
week so that you can adequately participate in class discussions and labs (and so
you won’t be slammed on Wednesday evening). These assignments are due by 3
p.m. EST the following Thursday from when they are assigned. You may omit 5
questions if you choose to do so without being penalized.

More information can be found on GriffinScience.com and feel free to email or call
me with any questions you might have!

Mr. Harrelson

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Objective 1: Recognize that matter is composed of extremely small particles
called atoms.

Objective 2: Describe how atomic theory has developed and changed from a
variety of cultures and world-views.

Objective 3: Describe the currently accepted and understood model of the atom.

Objective 4: Understand that atoms are made of mostly empty space.

Objective 5: Critically examine the composite parts of the atom (including sub-
atomic particles).

Objective 6: Develop an understanding of how the model of the atom may change
in the coming decades.

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010 1

8/20 - 8/27 Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Objective 1: Recognize that matter is composed of extremely small particles

called atoms.
1. How would you prove that all matter is made of atoms to someone who had
never heard of atoms?
2. Can you predict the differences between atoms and molecules (we’ll get to
molecules in a few weeks)?
3. Do you think there are atoms in the void of space? Why or why not?
4. Would you expect every atom to have the same mass and properties? Why or why
not?
5. We will never be able to “see” atoms with just our eyes. How might we learn
more about them both in the present and the future?

Objective 2: Describe how atomic theory has developed and changed from a
variety of cultures and world-views.
1. Compared with the current understood model of the atom, how close is
Democritus’ description of atomic structure?
2. What factors play into Kanada and Al-Ghazali’s conception of the atom? How
might their approach differ from that of professional scientists today?
3. How does Aristotle differ with Democritus over the nature of the atom? How are
they alike?
4. What common thread(s) do you see in the work of Aristotle, Democritus, Al-
Ghazali and Kanada in trying to decipher the nature of matter?
5. In your own words, describe how you see the atomic model developing after
these four individuals (Kanada, Democritus, Aristotle, Al-Ghazali).

Objective 3: Describe the currently accepted and understood model of the atom.
1. What is an energy level?
2. Describe the major parts of the atom including their location and charge.
3. In your own words, tell some of the more unique or fascinating aspects of
electrons as compared to the other parts of an atom.
4. Compare the modern notion of string theory with the ideas of Democritus. How
are they alike and how are they different?
5. Judge the current trajectory of physics based on our discussions this week. How
do you see the atomic model being developed with what you know about quarks,
strings and electrons?

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010 2

8/20 - 8/27 Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Objective 4: Understand that atoms are made of mostly empty space.

1. If the nucleus of an atom is 1 cm in diameter, how large might the atom be at it’s
greatest distance?
2. Predict what it might mean for matter that you see and interact with in your daily
environments if atomic theory says that all matter is empty space.
3. Why don’t atoms simply pass through one another if they are mostly empty
space? Why keeps us from oozing through the chair we are sitting in?
4. Judge for yourself if you ever really “touch” something. Elaborate.
5. How would you describe an atom’s empty space to a small child given the
amount of empty space in the atom?

Objective 5: Critically examine the composite parts of the atom (including sub-
atomic particles).
1. How do quarks and strings differ?
2. If all atoms are made of the same materials, how do they differ?
3. Describe how the electrons in a “cloud” of electrons are like the blades of a fan.
4. Judge what Aristotle might have to say about string theory.
5. Be creative... make a model of an atom, series of quarks or some part of string
theory using household items!

Objective 6: Develop an understanding of how the model of the atom may change
in the coming decades.
1. What do you think about string theory?
2. Knowing the composite parts of an atom, what might the LHC help us to
discover in the coming decades?
3. Describe (or draw if you’d like) the advancements and possibilities of quantum
computing.
4. Using arxiv.org, find an interesting article on cutting-edge particle physics that
interests you. Tell why.
5. Was Einstein right about quantum mechanics?

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010 3