Student Activity - Sheet-Build a Molecule

Activity Sheet-Build a Molecule Name: ____Anhadjot_Singh_______ Warm-Up/Pre-Lab (Engagement) 1. What is the difference between an atom and a molecule? There is not much of a difference between an atom and a molecule. Simply, an atom is a single element from the periodic table. A molecule is made up of the same, or different elements. 2. How is a molecular formula different from its name? A molecule formula is different from its name as they both serve different purposes. For example, the molecular formula describes an exact number of each atom in a molecule. While a name of a molecule can describe the physical characteristics. For instance, the name of the molecule Glucose in Greek, 'gleukos', means sweet juice which describes a physical characteristic. C₆H₁₂O₆ only tells us there are 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms, but doesn’t describe its physical structure. 3. Create five molecules and identify them by both the chemical name and formula. 1) H₂O - Water 2) C₆H₁₂O₆ - Glucose 3) CO₂ - Carbon dioxide 4) Cl₂ - Chlorine 5) NaCl - Table salt 4. Tell me a molecule that you are familiar with. While I am familiar with multiple molecules, including, NaCl, and H₂O, but I would say I am most familiar with C₆H₁₂O₆ - Glucose. I remember leaning about it in biology and discovered how it is a essential energy source for each organism. Open Play (Exploration) Build a Molecule Go to: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/build-a-molecule Take 5 minutes to explore the simulation. 1. What are three ways you can adjust/manipulate the simulation? a. One of three ways you can adjust/manipulate the simulation is, that you can select different atoms (like hydrogen, oxygen, carbon) to build a set of 5 molecules in the single section. b. Another way to you can adjust/manipulate the simulation is that you can make multiple molecules in one simulation. An example of this would be, 2NH3 and 2O2 c. Lastly, you can go into the playground section to manipulate and create a wide variety of molecules. Furthermore, it is possible to view the molecular structure in 3D by clicking on the green 3D button. 2. What was the difference between the single and multiple parts of the simulation? This mode allows you to focus a little on one molecule. You'll drag and combine atoms individually to create simple molecules, such as H₂O or CO₂. This mode is usefull to see how a single molecule is formed. While the multiple parts allows you to build and manipulate multiple molecules at once. 3. How does the simulation relate to what has been discussed in prior classes? This module allows for more of a visulisation of concepts on atoms bonding into molecules, building, and naming different types of molecular structures. It also helps seeing the concept of stability in the molecule. Activity/Lab (Elaboration) Create six molecules, two from each section of the simulation. Write their name and molecular formulas and include a screenshot of the molecule in the space provided. Single Name Molecular Formula Water H₂O Carbon Dioxide CO₂ Shape Multiple Name Molecular Oxygen Molecular Formula Shape Molecular Formula Shape O₂ NH₃ Ammonia Playground Name Methane CH₄ N2 molecular nitrogen Describe the difference between a molecule name and a chemical formula. A difference between a molecule name and a chemical formula is a molecule’s name describes its characteristics or function, while the chemical formula specifies the exact number and types of atoms in that molecule. Explain the difference between the coefficient and a subscript in a chemical formula. The subscript gives the number of atoms for each element present in a molecule, such as H₂O showing 2 hydrogen atoms. The coefficient gives the number of molecules: such as 2H₂O showing 2 water molecules. Synthesis/Post-Lab (Evaluation) 1. Describe how a molecule and atom are different from each other. An atom is a single unit of an element, while a molecule is a group formed by two or more atoms through chemical bonding. 2. Summarize how molecules are formed. Molecules are formed when atoms bond together through covalent or ionic bonds to achieve a more stable electronic configuration. 3. How do we know they are chemically stable? A molecule is stable when the atoms within it have achieved a full outer electron shell, by sharing or transferring electrons, making them less reactive and more stable. Extension Research three of the molecules you created in the simulation. 1. Describe where each can be found outside of the laboratory. How are each used in everyday life? Where could you find these molecules in our local community? Water (H₂O) ● Found: In oceans, rivers, and the atmosphere. ● Use: For drinking, cleaning, cooking, and farms. ● Local Community: Found in sink, rain, and lakes. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) ● Found: In the atmosphere, (exhaled air), and carbonated drinks. ● Use: Used in carbonated beverages, fire extinguishers. ● Local Community: emissions from vehicles. Sodium Chloride (NaCl) ● Found: In oceans and table salt. ● Use: Used as table salt, for food preservation, and on roads during winter. ● Local Community: Used in households for cooking.