This diagram covers Structure of the Atom within Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics. Revise Atomic Structure in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 25 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 12 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 12
Practice
13 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
📊 Structure of the Atom
Figure 1: The nuclear model of the atom showing protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in shells.
| Particle | Location | Relative Charge | Relative Mass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proton | Nucleus | +1 | 1 |
| Neutron | Nucleus | 0 | 1 |
| Electron | Shells | −1 | ~0 (1/1836) |
KEY FACTS:
- Atoms are NEUTRAL: number of protons = number of electrons
- Almost all the MASS is in the nucleus (protons + neutrons)
- Almost all the VOLUME is empty space (electrons orbit far out)
- Nucleus diameter ≈ 1/10,000 of atom diameter