E.1 Structure of the atom SL

Question 1

Rutherford Model

Answer 1

The atom is mostly empty space with a dense, positively charged nucleus at the center and electrons orbiting it.

Question 2

Nuclear Notation

Answer 2

A method to describe the composition of a nucleus with the chemical symbol, nucleon number (mass number), and proton number (atomic number).

Question 3

Discrete Atomic Energy Levels

Answer 3

Electrons can only exist at specific energy levels around the nucleus, not in between those levels.

Question 4

Photon Absorption

Answer 4

When an atom absorbs a photon, an electron transitions to a higher energy level.

Question 5

Photon Emission

Answer 5

When an electron transitions to a lower energy level, a photon is emitted.

Question 6

Emission Spectrum

Answer 6

The spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by an atom’s electrons when they transition from higher to lower energy levels.

Question 7

Absorption Spectrum

Answer 7

The spectrum formed by electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a medium, where radiation of specific frequencies has been absorbed by the medium, leaving dark lines.

Question 8

Strong Nuclear Force

Answer 8

A force that acts between nucleons, overpowering the electromagnetic repulsion between protons within the nucleus.

Question 9

Nucleon Number and Nucleus Radius

Answer 9

The radius of a nucleus is proportional to the cube root of its nucleon number, indicating a constant density.

Question 10

Quantized Angular Momentum (Bohr Model)

Answer 10

In the Bohr model for hydrogen, electrons have orbits with discrete angular momenta, leading to discrete energy levels.