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Periodic Table

There are always questions related to numbers of protons and neutrons and electrons in elements. After watching this clip, challenge yourself to calculate the numbers of all three subatomic particles (especially neutrons!) from the mass numbers and atomic numbers that you are given.

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Peter So each one of these is a different atom, a different element. Absolutely everything is made up of these, what we're going to do is what these themselves are made of and why they're different from one another. We're all made up of atoms, ok.

Students Are we?

Peter Absolutely. Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Narrator The protons and neutrons form the nucleus which the electrons orbit. Peter has devised a practical, which he hopes will help the kids make a connection between the balls in front of them and atomic structure.

Tammy How many is this? One, two, three, four...

Narrator It looks like a good start as the class seem to enjoy sticking Peter's protons and neutrons together.

Peter Actually, amazingly enough, I think they're doing really well here. They're counting the number of protons, they're going up to the periodic table, they're writing down the right elements. I think it's going very...I'm very pleased, this is going well.

Lacey I don't really understand what's going on all I'm doing is sticking them together. Hannah, what's that called?

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