How do you build an atom model using ping-pong balls?

Answer 1

I assume you mean you want to use 1 or more ping pong balls to represent how an atom (i.e. atomic particle) looks. However, if you want the ball(s) to show how an atom moves, then that might require attaching a ball to a moving mechanism of some kind -- such a how planets might move around the sun.

So, for now, I guess the answer to the question depends "what do you want the atom model to illustrate -- it's size, appearance, motions, etc." Once you define that, then you can proceed to gather machines, balls, lights, back-ground drawings, string, containers, wire or whatever else you might want to help illustrate your point.

At the simplest level, you simply hold-up a ball and say "if this were an atom (i.e. atomic particle), it would be N times larger than a real atom" (and you could have someone help you calculate the value N; or ask others "Then, what is the value of N"?) BUT, you would first have to clarify whether the ball represents only the nucleus of the atom or if it is meant to represent the area encircled by the other particles that are perceived to circle the nucleus (the same as the planets circle the sun); and, without that added clarification, you could not properly calculate N.

Nov. 13, 2006 -- Joe Gervais (id = JoeG314) -- TT player in Saint Paul, Minnesota

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