- Atoms
- Element
- Nucleus
- Proton
- Neutron
- Electron
- Strong Force
- Atomic Number
- Atomic Mass
- Shells
- Valence Electrons
Additional notes for several of the words were copied from the board. For instance, students were asked to note that protons and neutrons each have a mass of 1 atomic mass unit (amu) or "dalton" apiece, while electrons have practically zero mass, thus resulting in an atomic mass equal to the sum of the protons plus neutrons.
The flies weigh practically nothing compared to the elephants! Same with electrons compared to protons and neutrons.
Some students were still confused over the difference between neutrons and electrons, thinking that neutrons (beginning with the letter "n") were negative.
I proposed that students think of it like this:
- Neutrons are Not Negative, Nor are they positive -- they're Nothing. No charge. Nada. Nil. Neutral.
- If you get Electrocuted by electricity, that would be a very negative day, indeed. Electrons are negative.
Get it? :-D