1.1 Atomic Structure

Question 1

Describe the structure of an atom.

Answer 1

Inside an atom there is a nucleus which contains neutrons and protons. Electrons orbit the nucleus. Most of the atom is empty space, as the electrons orbit at relatively large distances.

Question 2

Give the relative charges of each of the particles in the atom.

Answer 2

Proton = +1
Neutron = 0
Electron = -1

Question 3

Give the relative masses of each of the particles in the atom.

Answer 3

Proton = 1
Neutron= 1
Electron = 0.0005

Question 4

What is the proton number of an atom?

Answer 4

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 5

What is the nucleon number of an atom?

Answer 5

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Question 6

How can you estimate the relative mass of an atom?

Answer 6

The relative mass of an atom is approximately the same as the nucleon number.

Question 7

What is specific charge and what units is it measured in?

Answer 7

The specific charge is the charge of a particle divided by its mass. It is measured in C kg^-1.

Question 8

What are isotopes?

Answer 8

Atoms with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons.

Question 9

Give an example of how isotopic data can be used.

Answer 9

Isotopic data can be used to calculate the approximate age of organic matter. This is done by calculating the percentage of carbon which is radioactive carbon-14 present in the object being studied.