The Atomic Model: Hit and Miss Science Standards Academy 2014

Model mod  el Definition: A version of an original object that is easy to see Used in a sentence: I created a model of the solar system in my science class.

Types of Models Models can represent … Example Objects that are too small to see Model of an Cell Objects that are too big to see Model of the solar system Objects that no longer exist Model of dinosaurs Objects that have not yet been invented Prototypes for creations Events that occur to slowly to see Model of mountain formation Events that occur too fast to see Model to predict an earthquake Events that have yet to happen Models of weather systems

Think of an example of a model that wasn’t listed on the previous slide. List at least one example.

Limitations of Models A limitation is a weakness or shortcoming, in this case of a model. Models can be very useful. They can help you understand things that are really big, really small, or very hard to see. However, models are not perfect, models come with limitations. These types of limitations include: Portraying something too simplistically Not showing distances accurately Not showing movement or interactions

Portraying something too simplistically However, this model of Earth’s layers doesn’t show what the layers are made up of, how thick they really are, or any details about sub- layers. This model of Earth’s layers can help someone understand that the center of the Earth is not hollow and is made up of different layers.

Not showing distances accurately A Globe is a great model for seeing the Earth a a whole, showing relative size and shapes of continents, and locations of oceans. However, you would not use a globe to give driving directions or give exact distances from one location to another, the scale makes the distances inaccurate.

Doesn’t show movement or interactions This model of the solar system does a good job of showing relative sizes of the planets compared to each other and the sun. However, this model does not show the movements or orbits and rotations of the planets.

Now lets take the information you just learned about the limitations of models and apply that to your previous knowledge of atoms.

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model? a.Distances are inaccurate b.The model is too simplistic c.It does not show movement or interactions

This model is too simplistic. While it is useful for beginners it does not give a lot of information about atoms.

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model? a.Distances are inaccurate b.The model is too simplistic c.It does not show movement or interactions

While identifying parts of the atom and different orbitals, the distance between particles in atoms cannot be represented to scale in models

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model? a.Distances are inaccurate b.The model is too simplistic c.It does not show movement or interactions

While getting a better understanding of relative size, the motion of electrons cannot be described in most models