6.4 The student will investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms. Key concepts include
atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons
atoms of a particular element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements
elements may be represented by chemical symbols
two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds)
compounds may be represented by chemical formulas
chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes
a limited number of elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere
Atomic Structure
The basic structural components of a typical atom are electrons,
protons, and neutrons. Protons and neutrons comprise the nucleus of an
atom.
An element is a form of matter made up of one type of atom. The
atoms of an element are basically alike, though the number of neutrons
may vary.
The atoms of one element differ from those of another element in the
number of protons.
Elements can be represented by chemical symbols
.
Two or more atoms of different elements may combine to form a
compound.
Compounds can be represented by chemical formulas. Each different
element in the compound is represented by its unique symbol. The
number of each type of element in the compound (other than 1) is
represented by a small number (the subscript) to the right of the
element symbol.
Chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes,
illustrating how elements become rearranged in a chemical reaction.
A limited number of elements, including silicon, aluminum, iron,
sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen,
and carbon, form the largest portion of Earth’s crust, living matter, the
oceans, and the atmosphere.
create and interpret a simplified modern model of the structure of an atom.
compare and contrast the atomic structure of two different elements.
explain that elements are represented by symbols.
identify the name and number of each element present in a simple molecule or compound, such as O2, H2O, CO2, or CaCO3.
model a simple chemical change with an equation and account for all atoms. Distinguish the types of elements and number of each element in the chemical equation. (Balancing equations will be further developed in Physical Science.)
name some of the predominant elements found in the atmosphere, the oceans, living matter, and Earth’s crust.