5.1- The structure of an atom determines its properties

Question 1

Atomic Number and Name

Answer 1

Determined by the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus

Question 2

Relative Atomic Mass

Answer 2

The sum of positive protons and neutral neutrons

Question 3

Electrons

Answer 3

Negatively charged particles with negligible mass that move around the nucleus in electron shells. They affect how atoms bond with other atoms as they orbit the nucleus.

Question 4

Valence Shell

Answer 4

The outermost electron shell occupied with uncharged atoms. A full valence shell (8 electrons) means it is more stable that shells with fewer electrons. These electrons often interact with different atoms.

Question 5

Electrons in the Valence Shell

Answer 5

Determines many properties of the element and its position on the periodic table

Question 6

Periodic table

Answer 6

Organises elements (types of atoms) into rows and columns

Question 7

Horizontal Rows

Answer 7

Periods

Question 8

Atomic Number Increases

Answer 8

Increases by one as you go across a period

Question 9

Vertical columns

Answer 9

Groups numbered 1-18

Question 10

Elements in the same group

Answer 10

Have similar properties due to the arrangement of electrons. They have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.

Question 11

Protons and Neutrons

Answer 11

Located inside the nucleus, responsible for most of the atomic mass

Question 12

Number of Protons

Answer 12

Determines atomic number and is used to order elements in the periodic table

Question 14

Shell Limits

Answer 14

Shell 1: Max 2 electrons
Shell 2: Max 8 electrons
Shell 3: Max 8 electrons
Shell 4: Max 18 electrons
Shell 5: Max 18 electrons
Shell 6: Max 32 electrons
Shell 7: Max 32 electrons

Question 15

Electron Shells

Answer 15

Electrons move in shells that are set distances from the nucleus. Electrons are normally located in the lowest energy shell (closest to the nucleus)

Question 16

Electron Configuration

Answer 16

Representation of electrons in their shells, typically shown in shell diagrams. e.g. nitrogen can be written as 2, 5. it explains the elements’ properties, trends in the periodic table, and bonding behaviour.

Question 17

Evidence for Electron Shells

Answer 17

Flame Testing: Substance give off coloured light when heated
Spectroscope: Breaks light into colours, revealing unique patterns
Electron Energy Levels: Electrons absorb energy to jump to a higher shell, then release it as light when they return to a lower shell
Unique Colours: Each element’s emission spectrum produces a distinct colour