SherpaSherpa Logo

Atomic Structure Practice Questions

Question 1

5 marks

The table gives information about some of the particles found in, or emitted by, atoms.

Particle Relative mass Relative charge
proton 11 ....................
neutron .................... 00
electron 11836\frac{1}{1836} ....................
(a)

Complete the table.

(b)

State the relative charge of a positron.

(c)

Which of these is the typical diameter of an atom?

Tick one box.

  • 1×10−15 m1 \times 10^{-15}\ \mathrm{m}
  • 1×10−10 m1 \times 10^{-10}\ \mathrm{m}
  • 1×10−6 m1 \times 10^{-6}\ \mathrm{m}
  • 1×10−3 m1 \times 10^{-3}\ \mathrm{m}

Question 2

4 marks

An atom of aluminium is represented by the symbol

1327Al^{27}_{13}\mathrm{Al}

(a)

State the number of protons in the nucleus of this atom.

(b)

Calculate the number of neutrons in the nucleus of this atom.

(c)

Explain why this aluminium atom has no overall charge.

Question 3

3 marks

Before 1911, scientists used the plum pudding model to describe the atom.

(a)

Describe the plum pudding model of the atom.

(b)

Name the type of particle that Rutherford's team fired at thin metal foil in the experiment that provided evidence against the plum pudding model.