Atomic Theory Name:

In the space below, draw and label a picture of an atom. Include as many details as you remember.

Atoms are chemically the simplest substance and cannot be broken down using chemical methods. Atoms can
only be changed into other elements using nuclear methods.

An ELEMENT is a substance consisting of atoms which all have the same number of _________________

The information provided on your periodic table can be used to determine the number of each subatomic
particle in the atoms of that element

The atomic number is written in the tops left of each element box. This number is unique to each
element and it tells us the number of __________________ that are found in an atom of that
element.

Ex. Aluminum:

Atoms are neutral (have no charge) therefore, the number of _____________ = number of _______________

Ex. Aluminum:

The mass number (in the bottom of each element box) tells us how many protons + neutrons are found in the
element. You will need to round the # up or down first.

Ex. Aluminum:
Using the Periodic Table Name:

 Use your periodic table to complete the following table. (Remember that: mass number = # of protons + # of
neutrons

Element Element Atomic # Atomic # of # of # of

Symbol Mass protons neutrons electrons

Carbon 6 12

Sodium 11 23

55 25

56 30

14 14

8 8

52 76

40 18

15 31 15

45 35

Follow up Questions:
1. How did you calculate a) the number of protons?

b) the number of electrons?

2. How are the atoms of different elements similar?

3. How are the atoms of different elements different?

4. How do you think chemists decided on the symbol for each element? Ie Carbon = C