Atomic structure (negligible electron mass)
I can describe the physical characteristics of atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons.
Atomic structure (negligible electron mass)
I can describe the physical characteristics of atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Electrons have a relative charge of -1 and roughly a relative atomic mass of 1/1835 (negligible).
- Protons are found in the atomic nucleus, have a relative electric charge of +1, and a relative mass of 1.
- Neutrons are found in the atomic nucleus, have no electric charge, and a relative mass of 1.
- An atom has no electric charge as it contains equal numbers of protons and electrons to balance the charge.
- The atom has a nucleus surrounded by electrons, with the nuclear radius much smaller than that of the atom.
Keywords
Electron - An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge and a very small relative mass of 1/1835 (negligible).
Proton - A proton is a subatomic particle with a positive charge and a relative atomic mass of 1.
Neutron - A neutron is a subatomic particle with no charge and a relative atomic mass of 1.
Nucleus - A nucleus is found in the centre of an atom. It consists of protons and neutrons. It is significantly smaller in size than the atom.
Subatomic - Anything that is smaller than an atom. There are three subatomic particles called electrons, protons and neutrons.
Common misconception
Students often struggle with the idea of how small an atom actually is. In contrast, how small the nucleus is, relative to the size of the atom.
The use of units and numbers to show the difference in size, e.g. the atom is approximately 10, 000 times larger than the nucleus. The radius of the atom is 0.1nm and the nucleus very small compared to that of the atom.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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