This memory aid covers Memory Aids within Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Atomic Structure in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 28 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 11 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 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).
Practice questions for Atomic Structure
What does the atomic number of an element tell you?
Explain what is meant by the relative atomic mass of an element and how it is calculated from isotopic data. [3 marks]