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An atom which has lost an electron is called an ion.

Radioactivity - Atomic Structure

In GCSE Physics you explore atomic structure, learning how protons, neutrons and electrons are arranged and how this links to elements and radiation.

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Fascinating Fact:

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus and defines which element it is.

In GCSE Physics, atomic structure explains how a tiny nucleus containing protons and neutrons is surrounded by electrons in shells. This model underpins ideas about ions, isotopes and radioactivity.

Key Terms

Nucleus: The small, dense centre of an atom containing protons and neutrons.
Mass number: The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.
Isotope: Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is atomic structure in GCSE Physics?

In GCSE Physics, atomic structure describes an atom as a central nucleus made of protons and neutrons with electrons arranged in shells around it. This model explains charge, ions and radiation.

How do you find the number of neutrons in an atom?

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number from the mass number. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number for that particular atom or isotope.

Why is understanding atomic structure important for radioactivity?

Understanding atomic structure is important because radioactive decay involves changes in the nucleus. Knowing how protons and neutrons are arranged helps you interpret decay equations and radiation types.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What is an atom?

An atom is made up of an electron

An atom is a particle consisting of a small central nucleus containing protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons

An atom is made up of molecules such as H₂O

An atom is a particle consisting of a small central nucleus containing neutrons and electrons surrounded by protons

The numbers of the protons and electrons are exactly equal in an atom

2 .

What is the relative charge of a proton?

-1

+10

One way of remembering this is to think about the first letter of proton - p for positive

3 .

What is the relative charge of a neutron?

-1

-10

Neutrons are neutral particles

4 .

What is the relative mass of a proton?

-1

+10

Whilst the mass of a proton is not actually +1, it is helpful for calculating relative masses when dealing with atomic physics

5 .

What is the relative mass of an electron?

-1

+10

OK, that's not strictly true but you would need nearly 2,000 electrons to equal the mass of one proton or one neutron. The element with the highest number of electrons is element 118. Its atoms contain only 118 electrons which contribute so little to the mass of an atom, their mass can be ignored

6 .

A neutral atom has five protons. How many electrons does it contain if it is not an ion?

An atom will always have the same number of electrons as it does protons

7 .

What is an atom called which has lost an electron?

Ion

Baryon

Quark

Oxygen

Ions can be formed when atoms gain electrons as well

8 .

What does an atom's atomic number represent?

The number of particles within an atom in its nucleus

The number of protons in an atom in its nucleus

The number of neutrons in an atom in its nucleus

The number of electrons in an atom in its nucleus

Make sure that you know how to work out the number of particles in an atom from its atomic number and mass number, it is an easy way to gain marks

9 .

Atoms of an element always have the same number of protons but can have a different number of what?

Atomic numbers

Electron masses

Proton masses

Neutrons

An element is recognised for having a specific fixed number of protons in every atom, the number of neutrons is variable. Atoms of a particular element which contain different numbers of neutrons are described as isotopes

10 .

If an atom has 3 electrons, how many protons does it contain?

Remember, in an atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - The structure of the atom

Author: Martin Moore