This diagram covers Structure of the Atom within Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics. Revise Atomic Structure in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 16 exam-style questions and 25 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. 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.
📊 Structure of the Atom
| 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
Practice questions for Atomic Structure
What does the atomic number of an element tell you?
Describe the structure of an atom. Include the location and charge of the three main subatomic particles.
Quick recall flashcards
What are isotopes?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element (same number of protons) with different numbers of neutrons. This means they have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
Why are atoms electrically neutral?
Atoms are electrically neutral because the number of protons (positive charges) equals the number of electrons (negative charges). The positive and negative charges cancel out.