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CChemistryPhysicsS1 to S4Atoms and the periodic table
Element explorer: atoms, isotopes and periodic trends
Everything around us is made of only about 90 kinds of atoms. Build them one proton at a time and discover the patterns of the periodic table.
LevelS1 to S4 (and IGCSE, A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useAᵣ, electron configuration, trends
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate atomic structure, isotopes and the periodic trends of the first 20 elements.
You will learn to
- Find the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons.
- Write electron configurations in shells and sub-shells.
- Calculate relative atomic mass from isotope abundances.
- Describe and explain trends across period 3.
🧭 What to do
- Move Atomic number Z from 1 to 20: read the shells, period and group.
- Choose an element in the mass spectrometer and check the calculation of Aᵣ.
- Choose a Property and look at the periodic trend.
- Compare the class data for period 3.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Properties of the period 3 elements.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
📄 My lab report
Your report collects the aim, your data table, the graphs, your answers and your conclusion. It is made on your phone or computer: nothing is sent to anyone.
Check your conclusion
An atom has Z protons and Z electrons; isotopes differ in neutrons. Aᵣ is the weighted mean of isotope masses. Electrons fill shells (2, 8, 8) and sub-shells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s. Across a period the nuclear charge increases, so atoms get smaller and ionisation energy and electronegativity rise; oxides change from basic to amphoteric to acidic.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Worksheet: build a periodic table of trends from data cards
- Atomic structure and periodicity problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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