Nucleus & Isotopes
Read what this module is aiming for. Then open the instrument and work through it.
Your task: Build He-4
Click protons, neutrons, and electrons to build a neutral Helium-4 atom.
Click a particle to add it. Electrons fill shells 2 then 8 then 8.
Click in the nucleus to remove it.
The sample is vaporised. An electron beam knocks electrons off atoms → positive ions.
Electric plates pull the ions into a fast beam through a slit.
A magnetic field bends the beam. Lighter ions curve more sharply.
Ions hit the collector. The chart recorder prints a spectrum — peak height = abundance.
Choose a sample and run it. Peak height tracks how common each mass is.
What element produced this spectrum? Use the average mass and the periodic table.
What This Was For
The intentions behind this module, and the competencies you just practised. Read each competency statement and decide honestly how well it fits you right now.
Two atoms, same element, different mass — what did you change?
