BUILD-A-MOLECULE ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY OUTCOMES
1. Describe the difference between a molecule name and chemical formula.
2. Distinguish between the coefficient and subscript in a chemical formula.
3. Use pictorial representations of molecules to generate chemical formulas.
PROCEDURE
1. Open the PhET: Build-a-Molecule Simulation at the following address: [Link]
molecule/latest/build-a-molecule_all.html
2. Click the Single tab.
3. Make a molecule:
a. How do you know you made a molecule? _________________________________________________
b. Write the molecule name of some molecules you made (ex. Water).
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
4. Molecule Names and Chemical Formulas:
a. Compare the name and chemical formula for some molecules:
Molecule Name Drawing Chemical Formula
5. Go back to the PhET: Build-a-Molecule simulation main page at the following address:
[Link]
6. Click the Multiple tab.
a. Fill all the collection boxes and then complete the questions for each Goal.
Goal: 4H2
Draw it!
What does the big ‘4’ in 4H2 mean?
What does the little ‘2’ in 4H2 mean?
Goal: 2CO2
Draw it!
What does the big ‘2’ in 2CO2 mean?
What does the little ‘2’ in 2CO2 mean?
Goal: 202
Draw it!
What does the big ‘2’ in 2O2 mean?
What does the little ‘2’ in 2O2 mean?
Goal: 2NH3
Draw it!
What does the big ‘2’ in 2NH3 mean?
What does the little ‘3’ in 2NH3 mean?
QUESTIONS
1. We use chemical formulas to represent individual molecules and groups of molecules. Write the
chemical formula below each molecule or groups of molecules.
a.
_______________________
b.
___________________
c.
___________________
d.
__________________________
e.
____
___________________
2. Try it!
a. Draw 2CO2
b. Draw 3H2O
c. Draw 4N2
d. Draw 2NH3
