Atomic Structure & Electricity

Atomic Structure & Electricity
1. Draw an atom with an atomic number of 12. Label the protons, neutrons, and electrons. Use the periodic table to identify which atom you have drawn.

2. How many valence electrons are present in this atom?

2

3. Would this atom prefer to gain or lose electrons? Why?
Lose, because the octet rule dictates that if there is less than 4 valance electrons, they would prefer to leave the atom.

4. Describe the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and insulators.
Conductors= Allow electricity to flow through.
Semi Conductors= Can/Cannot allow electricity to flow through.
Insulators= Do not allow electricity to flow through.
5. Use a different color to identify the metals, non-metals, and metalloids in the periodic table below. In each box list characteristics of each like-colored group of elements. Element Group
Metal

Semi Conductors

Color
Red

Characteristics
Good Conductors, Shiny, Malleable,
Ductile, Usually Solid

Green

Have properties of both metals & non-metals
Dull, usually in gas form, poor conductors

Insulators

Yellow

Yellow
Green

Yellow
Green

Red

Red

Red

Conclusion
1. Explain how being a metal, metalloid, or non-metal affects conductivity.
Metal improves conductivity since Metals usually have small amounts of valance electrons which allow smoother movement through them.
Metalloids can either improve or weaken conductivity by adding or removing an electron.
Non-metals have poor conductivity because their valance shell haves 4 or more valance electrons. 2. Is the element Sulfur a metal or non- metal. Explain how you got your answer.
Nonmetal, it has three physical properties of nonmetals/ poor conductor of electricity and heat. 3. In your own words, describe how electrons move between atoms to create electricity. The movement of electrons cause electricity by moving by traveling along other conductors, the movement of the electron cause energy to be in the forms of electricity and heat.