By: Taylor, Stephanie and Megan

How can you prove that these two substances are composed of different atoms? First, we started brainstorming with a basic question like : What is an atom? atom # of protons # of neutrons # of electrons What makes up an element Piece of matter that can not be destroyed or created

Then we researched even more into the definition of what an atom was, so we could figure out ways to answer the Inquiry question. We learned that : An atom is the smallest particle of an element that still retains the identity and properties of that element. Therefore, each element has different physical properties, chemical properties and atomic structures. Now onto the different properties of: IronCopper

Iron : Crystal Structure: cubic body Melting Point: 1538 °C Electrical Conductivity: ^6 /cm ohm Thermal Conductivity: w/cmK Physical Description: lustrous, silvery colour. Rusts easily in damp air. Can be easily shaped when hot. Physical Properties: malleable, ductile Uses: steel, vehicles, airplanes, nails, computers

Copper: Crystal Structure: face centered cubic Melting Point: °C Electrical Conductivity: ^6/ cm ohm Thermal Conductivity: 4.01 w/cmK Physical Description: reddish orange metal, does not rust in damp air, when exposed to damp air it turns a brownish colour Physical Properties: malleable, ductile, great conductor of heat + electricity Uses: plumbing, computer chips and circuits, pennies, electrical devices

After finding out the important properties of each element, we compared the two to show that each element was different, therefore making the atoms different. Iron Copper Melting Point: 1538 °CMelting Point: °C Iron has a higher melting point, so that means it can take more heat, and is a denser/stronger metal. Iron atoms are different than Copper atoms because : Iron atoms can withstand more heat than Copper atoms

Procedure : We ran a procedure to prove that the previously stated information about the two elements was true. A bunson burner was set up safely, and adjusted to a blue coloured flame to heat the metals quickly. Crucible tongs were used to stick each metal into the flame, and to try and bend the metal afterwards. The following results were obtained: Iron : No change occurred when placing the iron into the flame. After 4 minutes of being heated, the Iron started to change to a bright red colour. After being removed from the flame at 4:13, bending the Iron was not easy, but was successful. Copper: Almost immediately after placing the Copper into the flame, the reddish/orange tinge of the Copper started to turn to a silver lustre. The flame now is starting to turn a green colour, and the Copper is now black. After being removed from the flame at 1:03, bending the Copper was very easy.

We again went back to the properties of each element and compared two other properties to try and differentiate the atoms of Iron and Copper. IronCopper Electrical Conductivity: ^6 /cm ohm Electrical Conductivity: ^6/ m ohm Copper has a higher reading of electrical conductivity, so it would make a better metal to use for electronics or electrical things. Iron atoms are different than Copper atoms because : Iron atoms cannot conduct as much electricity as a Copper atom

Research : Our research consisted of trying to find out something that could really differentiate an Iron atom and a Copper atom. Oxidization of the two metals When looking back at the properties of both Iron and Copper, we noticed that Iron rusts when exposed to damp air, whereas Copper does not rust, but simply changes colour.

The Equation : An Iron atom goes under a reaction with Oxygen and Water that produces rust. Fe(s) + O 2 (g)Fe 2 O 3 ironoxygenrust The reason for this is because water ( H 2 O ) and iron ( Fe ) when put together, undergo a single displacement. So the displaced oxygen (O 2 ) reacts with the iron to create rust ( Fe 2 O 3 )

The reason for the differences between the two elements is of course because of the atom, the subatomic particles, and the atomic structure. Fe x x x Iron can either have a 2+ charge, or a 3+ charge, allowing it to react with many other elements Cu xx Copper can either have a 1+ charge or a 2+ charge, allowing it to react with many other elements also What makes them different is that Iron can react with some elements that Copper cannot, and Copper can react with some elements that Iron cannot

Conclusion : In conclusion of all our research and experiments, we can show that Iron and Copper are composed of different atoms because : Iron can withstand more heat than Copper Copper conducts much more electricity than Iron Iron reacts with water and oxygen, whereas Copper does not

Thus being said Iron and Copper are composed of different atoms.