Chapter 2, Problem 13E

Open the Build an Atom simulation (http://openstax.org/l/16PhetAtomBld) and click on the Atom Icon.

(a) Pick any one of the first 10 elements that you would like to build and state its symbol.

(b) Drag protons, neutrons, and electrons onto the atom template to make an atom of your element.

State the numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons in your atom, as well as the net charge and mass number.

(c) Click on "Net Charge" and "Mass Number," check your answers to (b), and correct, if needed.

(d) Predict whether your atom will be stable or unstable. State your reasoning.

(e) Check the "Stable/Unstable" box. Was your answer to (d) correct? If not, first predict what you can do to make a stable atom of your element, and then do it and see if it works. Explain your reasoning.