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Atomic Structure Practice Questions

Question 1

6 marks

This question is about the structure of the atom.

(a)

Which statement about an atom is correct?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

  • ☐ A The nucleus contains protons and electrons.
  • ☐ B The radius of the nucleus is much smaller than the radius of the atom.
  • ☐ C Almost all of the mass of an atom is in its electrons.
  • ☐ D The electrons are held inside the nucleus.
(b)

Complete the table to show the relative masses and relative charges of these particles.

Particle Relative mass Relative charge
proton 1 +1
neutron 1
electron −1-1
positron very small
(c)

Explain why an atom has no overall electric charge.

Question 2

5 marks

A nucleus of lithium is represented by the symbol 37Li^{7}_{3}\mathrm{Li}.

(a)

State the number of protons and the number of neutrons in this nucleus.

number of protons =

number of neutrons =

(b)

A lithium atom is neutral. State the number of electrons in a lithium atom.

(c)

A lithium atom loses one outer electron to form an ion.

Give the charge on this ion.

(d)

Which of these is the order of magnitude of the diameter of a typical atom?

Put a cross ( ☒ ) in the box next to your answer.

  • ☐ A 1×10−3 m1 \times 10^{-3}\ \mathrm{m}
  • ☐ B 1×10−6 m1 \times 10^{-6}\ \mathrm{m}
  • ☐ C 1×10−10 m1 \times 10^{-10}\ \mathrm{m}
  • ☐ D 1×10−15 m1 \times 10^{-15}\ \mathrm{m}