Atomic StructureTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Atomic Structure
Part of Atomic Structure — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Atomic Structure 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 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
25 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Topic Summary: Atomic Structure
Key Terms
- Atom: Smallest particle of an element
- Atomic number (Z): Number of protons
- Mass number (A): Protons + neutrons
- Isotope: Same protons, different neutrons
- Nucleon: Proton or neutron in the nucleus
Must-Know Facts
- Protons: +1 charge, mass 1, in nucleus
- Neutrons: 0 charge, mass 1, in nucleus
- Electrons: −1 charge, mass ~0, in shells
- Neutrons = mass number − atomic number
- Neutral atom: protons = electrons
- Thomson → plum pudding; Rutherford → nuclear; Bohr → shells
- Isotopes: same chemical properties, different masses