ATOMIC THEORY

The Nuclear Atom

Essential idea: The mass of an atom is concentrated in its minute, positively charged nucleus.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES D R R R
State the position of protons, neutrons and electrons in the atom.
State the relative masses and relative charges of protons, neutrons and
electrons.
* The accepted values are:
proton neutron electron
relative mass 1 1 negligible
relative charge + 0 -
Define the terms mass number (A), atomic number (Z) and isotopes of an
element.
Deduce the symbol for an isotope given its mass number and atomic number.
A
*The following notation are to be used: Z X
Calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions from
the mass number, atomic number and charge.
Compare the properties of the isotopes of an element.
Discuss the uses of radioisotopes
*Examples include 14❑C
in radiocarbon dating, 60
❑Co
in radiotherapy, and 131
❑I
and 125
❑I
as medical tracers.
Calculate non-integer relative atomic masses and abundance of isotopes from
given data.

Electronic Configuration
Essential idea: The electron configuration of an atom can be deduced from its atomic number.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES D R R R
Describe the relationship between colour, wavelength, frequency and energy
across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Distinguish between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum.
Describe the emission spectrum of the hydrogen atom, including the
relationships between the lines and energy transitions to the first, second and
third energy levels.
Recognize the shape of an s atomic orbital and the p x, py and pz atomic
orbitals.
The line emission spectrum of hydrogen provides evidence for the existence of
electrons in discrete energy levels, which converge at higher energies.
Identify the maximum number of electrons in the main energy level or shell is
given an integer number, n as 2 n2.
Describe the model of the atom in terms of the main energy level into s, p, d
and f sub-levels of successively higher energies.
Define orbitals as regions of space where there is a high probability of finding
an electron.
Apply the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule and the Pauli exclusion principle to
write electron configurations for atoms and ions up to Z = 36.
* full electron configuration, condensed electron configurations , orbital diagrams
*The electron configurations of Cr and Cu as exceptions should be recognized.