Topic Two (1.2): Structure of the Atom and Isotopes

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

The topic starts with a brief history of our current knowledge of the atom. This is of interest but not examined. The first section reviews IGCSE knowledge. You should be confident in using the periodic table to work out the numbers of protons, electrons and neutrons in each atom as well as recognising isotopes.

Read Icon.png Reading

Edexcel AS/A Level Chemistry Student Book 1 pages 8 to 11

Make Notes Icon.png Tasks

Complete the following:

  • Read pages 8 to 11, making appropriate notes (include key definitions).
  • Complete the ‘in-text’ questions.

EXPLORE – Interactive Periodic Table (RSC) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Air: The Elixir of Life (Royal Institution) Links to an external site.

‪EXPLORE – Build an Atom‬ (PhET Interactive Simulations) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Physical Chemistry - The Size and Structure of Atoms (MASSOLIT) Links to an external site.

EXPLORE – Structure of an Atom (Javalab - Science Simulations) Links to an external site.

WATCH – GCSE Chemistry - Atoms & Ions #1 (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Introduction to Atomic Structure (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – How Small is an Atom? (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH - GCSE Chemistry - Atoms & Ions (YouTube) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Relative Atomic Mass (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Top Tip Icon.png Top Tips

Make sure that you understand the following key points:

  • Remember the mass of an electron is not zero. It is 1/1840 of the mass of a proton.

Glossary Icon.png Key Terms

Add the following subject vocabulary with definitions to your glossary.

  • Atomic number (Z)
  • Mass number
  • Isotopes