Homework 1

8/20 - 8/27

Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Mr. Sam Harrelson MS Room 312 Email: [email protected] Tel: 864-381-7374 (or 864-381-SDSG) http://griffinscience.com

Following are the six objectives we’ll be learning this week as a part of our study of Physical Science. Your quiz starting next Thursday and the test covering this material may use questions directly from the assignments below. It is highly recommended that you work on this guide all throughout the coming week so that you can adequately participate in class discussions and labs (and so you won’t be slammed on Wednesday evening). These assignments are due by 3 p.m. EST the following Thursday from when they are assigned. You may omit 5 questions if you choose to do so without being penalized. More information can be found on GriffinScience.com and feel free to email or call me with any questions you might have! Mr. Harrelson -Objective 1: Recognize that matter is composed of extremely small particles called atoms. Objective 2: Describe how atomic theory has developed and changed from a variety of cultures and world-views. Objective 3: Describe the currently accepted and understood model of the atom. Objective 4: Understand that atoms are made of mostly empty space. Objective 5: Critically examine the composite parts of the atom (including subatomic particles). Objective 6: Develop an understanding of how the model of the atom may change in the coming decades.

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010

1

8/20 - 8/27

Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Objective 1: Recognize that matter is composed of extremely small particles called atoms. 1. How would you prove that all matter is made of atoms to someone who had never heard of atoms? 2. Can you predict the differences between atoms and molecules (we’ll get to molecules in a few weeks)? 3. Do you think there are atoms in the void of space? Why or why not? 4. Would you expect every atom to have the same mass and properties? Why or why not? 5. We will never be able to “see” atoms with just our eyes. How might we learn more about them both in the present and the future? Objective 2: Describe how atomic theory has developed and changed from a variety of cultures and world-views. 1. Compared with the current understood model of the atom, how close is Democritus’ description of atomic structure? 2. What factors play into Kanada and Al-Ghazali’s conception of the atom? How might their approach differ from that of professional scientists today? 3. How does Aristotle differ with Democritus over the nature of the atom? How are they alike? 4. What common thread(s) do you see in the work of Aristotle, Democritus, AlGhazali and Kanada in trying to decipher the nature of matter? 5. In your own words, describe how you see the atomic model developing after these four individuals (Kanada, Democritus, Aristotle, Al-Ghazali). Objective 3: Describe the currently accepted and understood model of the atom. 1. What is an energy level? 2. Describe the major parts of the atom including their location and charge. 3. In your own words, tell some of the more unique or fascinating aspects of electrons as compared to the other parts of an atom. 4. Compare the modern notion of string theory with the ideas of Democritus. How are they alike and how are they different? 5. Judge the current trajectory of physics based on our discussions this week. How do you see the atomic model being developed with what you know about quarks, strings and electrons?

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010

2

8/20 - 8/27

Homework 1: Atoms (Part 1)

Objective 4: Understand that atoms are made of mostly empty space. 1. If the nucleus of an atom is 1 cm in diameter, how large might the atom be at it’s greatest distance? 2. Predict what it might mean for matter that you see and interact with in your daily environments if atomic theory says that all matter is empty space. 3. Why don’t atoms simply pass through one another if they are mostly empty space? Why keeps us from oozing through the chair we are sitting in? 4. Judge for yourself if you ever really “touch” something. Elaborate. 5. How would you describe an atom’s empty space to a small child given the amount of empty space in the atom? Objective 5: Critically examine the composite parts of the atom (including subatomic particles). 1. How do quarks and strings differ? 2. If all atoms are made of the same materials, how do they differ? 3. Describe how the electrons in a “cloud” of electrons are like the blades of a fan. 4. Judge what Aristotle might have to say about string theory. 5. Be creative... make a model of an atom, series of quarks or some part of string theory using household items! Objective 6: Develop an understanding of how the model of the atom may change in the coming decades. 1. What do you think about string theory? 2. Knowing the composite parts of an atom, what might the LHC help us to discover in the coming decades? 3. Describe (or draw if you’d like) the advancements and possibilities of quantum computing. 4. Using arxiv.org, find an interesting article on cutting-edge particle physics that interests you. Tell why. 5. Was Einstein right about quantum mechanics?

Physical Science - Grade 8 - Syllabus 2009-2010

3