Atomic StructureDiagram

Structure of the Atom

Part of Atomic Structure — GCSE Chemistry

This diagram covers Structure of the Atom 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 3 of 13 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 3 of 13

Practice

25 questions

Recall

22 flashcards

📊 Structure of the Atom

Diagram showing the structure of an atom with a central nucleus containing protons (positive, red) and neutrons (neutral, grey), surrounded by electron shells containing electrons (negative, blue). Shows example of Sodium with electron configuration 2,8,1. Includes particle properties table showing relative mass and charge.

KEY: The nucleus is tiny but contains almost all the mass. Electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus — 1st shell holds up to 2, 2nd and 3rd hold up to 8 each.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Atomic Structure. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The History of Atomic Models How the Atomic Model Developed Through Experiments The Incredible Shrinking Journey The Three Subatomic Particles

Practice Questions for Atomic Structure

What does the atomic number of an element tell you?

A. The number of neutrons in the nucleus
B. The total mass of the atom
C. The number of protons in the nucleus
D. The number of electrons in the outer shell

1 markfoundation

Explain what is meant by the relative atomic mass of an element and how it is calculated from isotopic data. [3 marks]

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What are nucleons?

Particles in the nucleus — protons and neutrons together

What is the mass number?

The total number of protons + neutrons in an atom

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The History of Atomic Models

How the Atomic Model Developed Through Experiments