Question

How can I make a carbon atom model?

Answer 1

You can use craft cotton (or Styrofoam`""^"TM"`) balls, poster board, compass, glue, and string to make a model of a carbon atom.

Explanation:

Here is a summary of the instructions from ehow.

Their instructions are for a sodium atom, but we can adjust them to make a model of any atom.

Step 1

You will need 12 large balls (6 of one colour for the protons and 6 of another colour for the neutrons) and 6 small balls for the electrons.

Glue the six protons and six neutrons into a ball, alternating between protons and neutrons as you glue.

Step 2:

Cut a small ring and a large ring out of cardstock. Use string to tie these rings in concentric circles around the nucleus (the picture below has a third ring for a sodium atom).

Step 3:

Glue two electrons to the inner circle and four to the outer circle.

Step 4:

Attach string to the outer circle for hanging, and display your 3D model of carbon (the picture below is of sodium).