Contextualization

Energy levels are fundamental to understanding Chemistry. These levels represent the energy an electron can have in an atom and are associated with a specific distance that the electron can be from the atom's nucleus. Each energy level can contain a specific number of electrons and is divided into sublevels, which can also contain a specific number of electrons. Understanding the organization of these levels and sublevels gives us insights into the nature of atoms, the formation of chemical bonds, the organization of the periodic table, among others.

Within each energy level, there are energy sublevels. The sublevels are designated by the letters s, p, d, and f, each representing a specific form that the electron can have around the atom's nucleus. The s sublevel is spherically symmetric and contains only one orbital, while the p, d, and f sublevels have more complex shapes and contain more than one orbital. Each orbital can hold up to two electrons with opposite spins.

Electrons occupy energy levels and sublevels according to the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill energy levels and sublevels in a way that the total energy of the electrons is as low as possible.

Energy levels and sublevels are a fundamental topic for understanding Chemistry and have direct applications in our daily lives. For example, the color we see when looking at an object is determined by the energy levels and sublevels of the atoms in the material and how electrons interact with light. Similarly, the organization of the periodic table, which is the basis for understanding all chemical reactions, is explained by how electrons occupy energy levels and sublevels in atoms.

Through this project, we hope you learn more about the concept of energy levels and sublevels, as well as their meaning and real-world applications.

Practical Activity: "The Revolution of Electrons"

Project Objective

• Understand the distribution of electrons in different energy levels and sublevels.
• Understand the importance of energy levels and sublevels for the chemical and physical properties of elements.
• Develop research, teamwork, presentation, and writing skills.

Detailed Project Description

The project will be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and is expected to last for one month.

Each group will be responsible for choosing a chemical element on the periodic table (without repeating elements among groups) and conducting a detailed investigation on the distribution of electrons in the energy levels and sublevels of that element.

The group will build a three-dimensional model that visualizes the arrangement of electrons around the atom's nucleus and present a performance that explains the Aufbau principle, the Hund's rule, and the exception of electronic configuration.

Finally, students must write a document explaining the project and detailing their findings and conclusions.

Required Materials

• Paper, pencil, and eraser for planning.
• Craft materials to build the three-dimensional model (e.g., styrofoam, toothpicks, paint, beads, etc.)
• Research resources (books, internet, etc.)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Form groups and choose the chemical element the group will study. Remember that each group must choose a different element.

2. With the chosen element, start a detailed research on the distribution of electrons in the energy levels and sublevels of the element. Take notes of your findings for future use.

3. Based on your research, build a three-dimensional model of your atom, demonstrating the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus. Use different colors to represent the different energy levels and sublevels.

4. Plan and practice a performance that explains how electrons are distributed in the energy levels and sublevels, according to the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. If your element is an exception to the electronic configuration rule, don't forget to explain that as well.

5. Prepare and submit a written document detailing your findings and conclusions. The report should include four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

   • In the Introduction, explain what energy levels and sublevels are and why they are important. Also, highlight your chosen element and the project's objective.

   • In the Development, discuss the theory behind the distribution of electrons in energy levels and sublevels. Describe the process of building your three-dimensional model and preparing your performance. Present and discuss your findings on the distribution of electrons in your chosen element.

   • In the Conclusions, summarize the main points of your research and findings. Talk about what you learned during the project and the conclusions you drew.

   • In the Bibliography, list all sources of information you used during the project. Include books, web pages, videos, etc.

6. Present your three-dimensional model and performance to the class. Use this opportunity to share what you learned and answer any questions your classmates may have.