1. Atoms with Attitude
What does the early model of the atom look like? What quandary does it present? What do you know about the quantum atom and spectral lines? What can you say about Niels Bohr and Bohr's atom? Where does the term "quantum leap" come from and how has its real meaning changed?
Explore answers to these questions by following the links below.
Consider This Before Answering the Questions
For some reason atoms hold a total fascination for kids of all ages-perhaps because even though we can't see them (well, at least not with the "naked eye") we know they're all around, bumping into each other and being the essence of everything on earth (and beyond). In this exercise we'll explore most of the content of this chapter (and much of the remaining content is explored in the next exercise).
Go to http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/waves_particles/orbit_movie.html and first you'll get a short introduction to the early model of the atom, together with a really quick little movie. What's the quandary presented on this page, and how does the "professor" answer it? At the bottom of the page hit on the "Previous" link, then (assuming you've already gone through the sessions on electromagnetic waves for Chapter 8) zip through the next three pages until you scroll down to where you can select either "Classical Waves" or the "Quantum Atom"-go for the atom, and here the real journey begins (by the way, feel free to review the information on the electromagnetic waves or, if you missed it, it's worth the trip). As you move through the discussion on spectral lines, jot down your answers to questions as they arise to see if you can come up with the correct response, then check your response against the one that's given. Give a click here and there on the icons (such as Einstein asking, "How do we know this is true?") and experiment with all of the demonstrations, then write down what you've noticed as you do this. Follow the atomic trail to learn about Niels Bohr so you can learn about Bohr's atom (at this point you might want to click the link on forces to refresh your memory on how electrons orbit around a positively charged nucleus). As you move through this section, you should be able to answer the questions, "Where does the term 'quantum leap' come from and how has its real meaning changed?" After You Answer the Questions
At the end of your review of the above web site, proceed to energy levels, atomic spectra. (At this writing the link for computing was "under construction," but it might be ready by the time this text is in your hands, so give it a try.) Describe the experiment with the hydrogen atom spectrum-what happens? When you get to the bottom of this page, move to "Next," which is the last page of this section (Return to Einstein's Legacy).
2. You're Cookin' with Gas? Nope, the Microwave
How do microwaves work? Are they dangerous? Can you explain the relationship between water and microwave cooking? What happens when you cook frozen foods in the microwave and why don't such foods always cook evenly? What might you do to deal with that? Why do microwave manufacturers warn the user about the dangers of heating only water in the oven?
Follow the links below to learn more about cooking with microwaves and to answer the above questions.
Consider This Before Answering the Questions
To be honest, most foods taste and look better when prepared in a gas range, but for convenience you really can't beat the microwave oven-it's almost hard to think back to when these handy ovens weren't around.
After You Answer the Questions
Considering everything you're read, how can you use this information in your own life?
