If you made a three-dimensional model of an atom and its nucleus, how would you represent the atom? How would you represent the nucleus? Explain your choices.

How do I make a model of an atom?

Step 1 - Gather Information
Before you can build your model, you will need to know how many protons, neutrons and electrons your atom has. If you do not already know how to use the Periodic Table of Elements to find this information, read the 'How many protons, electrons and neutrons are in an atom of...?' page to learn how.

Let's use nitrogen as an example. Using information found on the Periodic Table of Elements, we can tell that an average atom of nitrogen contains 7 protons, 7 neutrons and 7 electrons.

Step 2 - Gather Materials
Now that you know how many protons, neutrons and electrons you will need for your model, it is time to decide what to use to represent them. Ping-pong balls, rubber balls, ball bearings, golf balls and styrofoam balls have all been used in the past. Basically, anything that is roundish and that can be glued to each other should work. It is helpful if the balls are color coded so that it is easier to tell which balls are protons, which are neutrons and which are electrons. It is also helpful if the electrons are smaller than the protons and neutrons.

Step 3 - Build the Nucleus
The nucleus, the central part of the atom, is made from protons and neutrons. All of your atom's protons and neutrons go in the nucleus. For nitrogen, the nucleus would look something like this:

The nucleus of a nitrogen atom.

Step 4 - Place the Electrons
The electrons are found outside the nucleus. How you place them depends on which model of atomic structure your class is studying.