Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes

Start with atomic structure

The notes on atomic structure introduce nuclide notation, mass number and atomic number. They describe mass number as the total of protons and neutrons, and show how to find the neutron number by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number. They are a useful starting point before moving to questions and diagrams.

The flowchart on atomic number and atomic mass offers another format to explore alongside the notes. Use the two resources together to look at the terminology in different ways.

Practice with flashcards and the quiz

The flashcards in Isotopes and radioactive decay ask about atomic or proton number and the charges of protons and neutrons. Atoms and isotopes includes questions about the basic structure of an atom and the size of its nucleus. These decks can help students check their understanding after reading the notes.

The quiz on atomic number and mass number offers another way to practice. After taking it, students can return to the notes or flashcards to work through a point they want to study again.

Explore the mind maps

Mass spectrometry maps stages including vaporisation, ionisation, acceleration, deflection and detection. It also describes gas particles being bombarded by high-energy electrons. The map gives students a way to follow the stages in a visual format.

The Atomic Structure and Atoms and isotopes mind maps offer further routes through the resources on this page. A student can use a map to organize ideas, then use flashcards or the quiz to practice recalling them.

Connect the topic to the unit

Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes is a section of the Atomic Structure unit in Physics. The resources here connect work on atomic structure with questions about isotopes, while some also cover radioactive decay and mass spectrometry. Pick a mind map to explore after working through the notes and quiz.