This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Atomic Structure in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 10 of 13 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 10 of 13
Practice
25 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
PEN = Protons, Electrons, Neutrons — the three subatomic particles.
For charges: "ProPlus" = Protons are Positive. Electrons are the opposite (negative). Neutrons are Neutral.
For isotopes: "Same Pro, Different Neu" — Same number of Protons, Different number of Neutrons.
Atomic model order: "Thomson Tasted Rutherford's Brilliant Cake" (Thomson → Thomson's plum pudding → Rutherford → Bohr → Chadwick).