Utilization of PhET Simulation to Understand Atomic Structure and Stability in Chemistry Learning

Abstract

Chemistry learning, especially about atomic structure, is often considered difficult because it is abstract and difficult to visualize. The lack of interactive media causes low conceptual understanding of students related to protons, neutrons, electrons, and atomic stability. This research uses qualitative with case study method to explore the utilization of PhET Simulation in learning chemistry, especially on the material of atomic structure and stability. The results showed that students in the experimental class experienced a significant increase in understanding of atomic structure, the ability to identify stability based on electron configuration, and higher learning motivation than the control class. The use of PhET facilitates interactive visualization that makes abstract concepts more concrete, while improving 21st century skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. These findings indicate that the integration of PhET supports technology-based learning and experiential learning, in line with the direction of 21st century education transformation. Technical barriers such as device limitations and teacher readiness need to be overcome through training and provision of facilities. Thus, the utilization of PhET Simulation is effective in improving the understanding of atomic concepts and can be used as a long-term innovative strategy to strengthen chemistry learning in the digital era.