Question

Explain why a model of the atom is crucial to understanding chemistry and in explaining the behavior of matter. Use 3 - 4 sentences in your explanation.

Answer 1

Understanding the model of the atom helps predict how elements will react with each other.

For example, the ball-and-stick model is a molecular model of a chemical substance which is to display both the three-dimensional position of the atoms and the bonds between them.

The atoms are represented by spheres, connected by rods which represent the bonds.

Every ball represent one atom in one molecule and they have different colors for different atoms (for example, carbon is black, hydrogen is white, nitrogen is blue).

There also other models: skeletal models, polyhedral models, composite models, computer-based models.

Answer 2

The model of the atom is crucial because without it we wouldn't know how the protons, neutrons, and electrons are connected. Essentially, the protons and neutrons are seen with their bonds while electrons are rotating waves of energy that go around the atom. This model helps us differentiate different elements and isotopes based on the number of components and the way they are connected.