Potassium Atom Simulator Click on Image for a close-up This Project was submitted to Parallax by Solomon Abiola. Brief Description During my sophomore year, as an honors chemistry student my first assignment was to present information (discovery, atomic makeup, usage, etc) on a randomly chosen element. The second half of the assignment required a visual representation (diagram, physical element, or model) of the atom. Having used my BASIC Stamp 2 board for minor explorations, I envisioned a way of having the atom simulated through a “real life” model. I had attempted too do this during my middle school years, but I was only able to develop a crude device, since I lacked a BASIC Stamp 2 module. Click on Image for a close-up Detailed Description Having learned from my previous projects (alarm systems, laser light shows, Dual D Flip-Flop circuits, remote controlled vehicles, computers, etc) that stability was key to stronger electronic systems I set out on my endeavor with that in mind. By selecting the CD case, I was able seal the delicate part of the experiment, thus protecting it from damage, along with the BASIC Stamp 2 circuitry enclosed in the black box. Inside utilizing the Pololu Micro controller, the BASIC Stamp 2 module was programmed for one scenario to accelerate the rotation of the disc based on the hypothetical situation that the atom heats up and then cools down. As this happens, the temperature is displayed on the LCD and the current state of the atom (solid, liquid, ice). In the second scenario, the rotation is kept constant as the user views information such as the discoverer, discovery date, atomic structure, etc. Click on Image for a close-up Design Information The second diagram (middle) reveals the inner workings on the atomic simulator. In the front is the LCD, which is connected to the breadboard of the BASIC Stamp 2 Home Work Board. The thick white wires are used to connect the motor to the BASIC Stamp 2 circuitry in conjunction with the 9V battery present to power the motor. The rest of the project receives power via an outlet in the back that can hook up to a 9V adapter. In the third diagram the washers connect the CD disc to the motor’s axial, after using a lot of super glue the CD disc maintained stability and the electrons did not accelerate off the disc. The green and red balls were used to represent the neutrons and protons. In the last diagram, the completed project is shown from afar.