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.
Topic position
Section 3 of 12
Practice
16 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
📊 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
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.
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
16 questions on Atomic Structure — practise free
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