Question

1) Study the picture of salt at the atomic level. Describe the connections between the sodium and chlorine atoms.

2) Do the atoms in salt follow a pattern? Explain your answer.
3) now build a model of salt.Play share materials on a sheet of paper. The regular-size Marshmallows can represent the larger chlorine atoms, and the mini marshmallows can represent the smaller sodium atoms. Connect the marshmallows with toothpicks using the picture as a guide. What was difficult about building the model?
4) Explain how your model is different from the model in the picture.
5) Salt is both strong and brittle. These properties relate to eat atomic bonds. Examine a toothpick and try to bend it. Then imagine hitting the end of an upright toothpick with a hammer. Is a toothpick a good model for showing the strength and brittleness of salt? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Salt is made up of sodium and chlorine atoms connected through ionic bonding in a crystal lattice structure. Building a model of salt with marshmallows and toothpicks can be challenging and may not accurately represent the atomic arrangement. A toothpick is not a good model for showing the strength and brittleness of salt.

Step-by-step explanation:

1) Sodium and Chlorine Atoms in Salt:

In salt, the sodium and chlorine atoms are connected through ionic bonding. In this type of bonding, sodium atoms transfer one electron to chlorine atoms to form sodium cations (Na+) and chloride anions (Cl-). The opposite charges of the cations and anions attract each other, creating a strong ionic bond.

2) Pattern in the Atoms of Salt:

The atoms in salt follow a pattern, as they are arranged in a crystal lattice structure. Each sodium ion is bonded to six surrounding chloride ions, and each chloride ion is bonded to six surrounding sodium ions. This arrangement maximizes the interaction between opposite charges and creates a stable structure.

3) Difficulties in Building the Model of Salt:

Building a model of salt with marshmallows and toothpicks can be challenging because the size and shape of the marshmallows may not perfectly represent the size and arrangement of atoms in real salt. Additionally, accurately aligning the toothpicks to connect the marshmallows according to the picture can be tricky.

4) Difference between the Model and Picture:

The model built with marshmallows and toothpicks would likely be different from the picture at the atomic level. The model may not fully capture the precise arrangement and proportions of atoms in salt, as it is a simplified representation.

5) Toothpick as a Model for Salt's Strength and Brittleness:

A toothpick is not a good model for showing the strength and brittleness of salt. While salt is both strong and brittle, the behavior of a toothpick when bent or hit with a hammer does not accurately represent the properties of salt. Salt's strength and brittleness are related to the ionic bonds between sodium and chloride ions, which are vastly different from the structure and properties of a toothpick.