Motor oil being poured into a car engine
Elements in Car Grease, Lubricants, and Oils (Periodic Table of Elements)
Grades 9-12
There are a variety of elements found in different chemicals, including car grease, lubricants, and oils. What makes these elements different and how can we identify the properties of these elements and their atomic structures? We will explore the answers to these questions in this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
Students will learn how to read the Periodic Table of Elements in order to differentiate elements from one another based on their properties and atomic structures.
- How is the Periodic Table of Elements read?
- What information does the Periodic Table of Elements tell us?
- What makes elements unique and different from one another?
Motorweek Clip
- What are some of the elements that make up car grease, lubricants, and oils?
- In what ways are grease, lubricants, and oils used for cars?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Build an Atom
Use the interactive simulation in which students can build various atoms. Assign students a variety of elements to build and have them make connections to the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons an element has to its atomic mass and atomic number as listed on the Periodic Table of Elements.
Identifying Properties of Lithium and Silicon
Have students analyze the periodic tables in order to identify chemical and physical properties of lithium and silicon (the elements from the video mentioned in car grease, lubricants, and oils). Further, have students explain what properties are mainly involved in lithium and silicon atoms’ willingness to react with other elements in chemical reactions.
Lithium and Silicon Atomic Structure and Symbol
Students should view the resource that shows the atomic structures and symbols of lithium (Li) and silicon (Si). Students should make connections as to how the atomic structures and atomic symbols relate:
- Atomic Number = Proton Number
- Atomic Number = Electron Number
- Proton Number = Electron Number
- Protons + Neutrons = Atomic Mass