The Atomic Model: Hit and Miss

Science Standards Academy 2014

Modelmodel

Definition:A version of an original object that is easy

to see

Used in a sentence:I created a model of the solar system in my

science class.

Types of ModelsModels can represent …

Example

Objects that are too small to see

Model of an Cell

Objects that are too big to see

Model of the solar system

Objects that no longer exist

Model of dinosaurs

Objects that have not yet been invented

Prototypes for creations

Events that occur to slowly to see

Model of mountain formation

Events that occur too fast to see

Model to predict an earthquake

Events that have yet to happen

Models of weather systems

Think of an example of a model that wasn’t listed on the previous slide. List at least one example.

Limitations of ModelsA limitation is a weakness or shortcoming, in this case of a model. Models can be very useful. They can help you understand things that are really big, really small, or very hard to see. However, models are not perfect, models come with limitations. These types of limitations include:

• Portraying something too simplistically• Not showing distances accurately• Not showing movement or interactions

Portraying something too simplistically

However, this model of Earth’s layers doesn’t show what the layers are made up of, how thick they really are, or any details about sub-layers.

• This model of Earth’s layers can help someone understand that the center of the Earth is not hollow and is made up of different layers.

Not showing distances accuratelyA Globe is a great model for

seeing the Earth a a whole, showing relative size and shapes of continents, and locations of oceans.

However, you would not use a globe to give driving directions or give exact distances from one location to another, the scale makes the distances inaccurate.

Doesn’t show movement or interactions

• This model of the solar system does a good job of showing relative sizes of the planets compared to each other and the sun.

• However, this model does not show the movements or orbits and rotations of the planets.

Now lets take the information you just learned about the limitations of models and apply that to your previous knowledge of atoms.

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model?

a.Distances are inaccurate

b.The model is too simplistic

c.It does not show movement or interactions

This model is too simplistic. While it is useful for beginners it does not give a lot of information about atoms.

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model?

a.Distances are inaccurate

b.The model is too simplistic

c.It does not show movement or interactions

While identifying parts of the atom and different orbitals, the distance between particles in atoms cannot be represented to scale in models

Look at this model of the atom, what do you think the biggest limitation is of this model?

a.Distances are inaccurate

b.The model is too simplistic

c.It does not show movement or interactions

While getting a better understanding of relative size, the motion of electrons cannot be described in most models