3D Atom Model
Turn this labeled Bohr model of a carbon-12 atom around to see how an atom is put together: 6 protons and 6 neutrons packed in the nucleus, and 6 electrons in two shells around it, 2 in the first shell and 4 in the second.
An illustrative teaching model built with Scholarly. Shapes, sizes, and colors are simplified so each part is easy to see.
Free to start. Build one from your own notes, slides, or textbook PDF.
Labeled parts
Parts of an atom
The 6 parts labeled on the model, and what each one does.
- Nucleus
- The tiny, dense center of the atom. It holds almost all of the atom's mass.
- Proton
- A particle in the nucleus with a positive charge. The number of protons, 6 for carbon, decides which element an atom is.
- Neutron
- A particle in the nucleus with no charge. Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons; other isotopes of carbon have more or fewer.
- Electron
- A very light particle with a negative charge that moves around the nucleus. A neutral atom has as many electrons as protons.
- First electron shell
- The shell closest to the nucleus. It holds up to 2 electrons.
- Second electron shell
- The next shell out, which can hold up to 8 electrons. Carbon has 4 here, which is why it forms 4 bonds.
For class and projects
Using this model for class or a project
For studying, count the particles on the model: 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons. Then check how the electrons are arranged, 2 and 4, and connect that to carbon's place in the periodic table, group 14 and period 2.
For an atom model project, use it as a reference for the Bohr layout. Use one color for protons and another for neutrons, put them together in the center, and place the electrons on rings around them. Change the counts to model a different element.
Teachers can show the model on a classroom screen while explaining atomic number, mass number, and isotopes. For other elements, ions, or orbital models, you can build your own version from your notes.
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FAQ
Atom model questions
What are the parts of an atom?
An atom has a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons moving around it. Protons are positive, electrons are negative, and neutrons have no charge.
Why is this called a Bohr model?
Niels Bohr proposed in 1913 that electrons travel in fixed shells around the nucleus. Real electrons are better described by clouds of probability called orbitals, but the Bohr model is still the standard way to show electron shells in school.
Is this atom model to scale?
No. If the nucleus were the size shown, the electrons would be far away, and the atom would be mostly empty space. Sizes and distances are changed so every part fits on screen.
Can I use this model for a school project?
Yes, you can use it as a reference while you study or build a physical model. Exporting pictures or video of models you build yourself needs a paid plan.
Can I make my own 3D atom model?
Yes. Sign up, choose 3D model, and describe what you need or add your notes. Scholarly builds a labeled, interactive model in a few minutes. A full build uses 1 AI Creation Credit, and you confirm it first.
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