The atom
6 flashcards to master The atom
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Describe the structure of an atom, including the location and charge of its constituent particles.
An atom consists of a central, positively charged nucleus. Orbiting the nucleus are negatively charged particles called electrons. The nucleus contains protons which have a positive charge, and neutrons which have no charge.
State the type of charge, if any, carried by each of the following subatomic particles: electron, proton, neutron.
Electron: Negative (-)
Proton: Positive (+)
Neutron: No charge (neutral)
Define the term 'positive ion' in the context of atomic structure.
A positive ion is an atom that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. The number of protons in the nucleus is now greater than the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus.
State one way an atom can become a negative ion. Include what happens to the number of protons and electrons.
An atom becomes a negative ion by gaining one or more electrons. The number of protons remains the same, but the number of electrons increases, resulting in a net negative charge.
Describe how the scattering of alpha particles in Rutherford's gold foil experiment provides evidence for a very small nucleus surrounded by mostly empty space.
Most alpha particles passed straight through the gold foil, indicating that the atom is mostly empty space. A small number of alpha particles were deflected at large angles, suggesting they encountered a very small, dense, positively charged nucleus. The relatively infrequent large angle deflections imply the nucleus occupies only a tiny fraction of the atom's total volume.
State two observations from the alpha particle scattering experiment that led Rutherford to conclude that the nucleus contains most of the atom's mass.
1. A very small proportion of alpha particles were deflected through large angles (greater than 90°).
2. Some alpha particles were deflected almost directly back towards the source (180°). These observations suggest a concentration of mass capable of causing significant deflection.
Key Questions: The atom
Define the term 'positive ion' in the context of atomic structure.
A positive ion is an atom that has lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net positive charge. The number of protons in the nucleus is now greater than the number of electrons orbiting the nucleus.
About The atom (5.1.1)
These 6 flashcards cover everything you need to know about The atom for your Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.
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- 1 Definitions - Key terms and their precise meanings that examiners expect
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After mastering The atom, explore these related topics:
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