Atomic Structure

What the resources cover

The page sits in the Atoms, Bonding and the Periodic Table strand of Chemistry. It starts with the basics: protons, neutrons and electrons, atomic number and mass number. It then moves to orbitals, quantum numbers, electron configuration, ionisation energies and mass spectrometry.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Structure and Properties of Matter. It follows the scientists behind the atomic model: Dalton and his billiard ball model, Thomson and the raisin bun model, then Rutherford and the gold foil experiment. It gives you the story before the detail.

Next, read the note MCAT Chemistry - Atomic Structure Overview. It explains that an atom has a nucleus of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons, and that elements are classified by atomic number.

Moving on to orbitals and configuration

1. Open the Orbitals mind map to see quantum numbers, s and p shapes, nodes and boundary surface diagrams.
2. Use the Electron Configuration mind map to see how electrons fill from the lowest energy up.
3. Try the Quantum Numbers quiz to check the main ideas.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then take a quiz on the same idea. The Atomic numbers and mass numbers quiz asks, for example, how many neutrons helium has, and shows the working: mass number minus atomic number. The Atoms, Protons, Neutrons & Electrons quiz adds charges, the Aufbau principle and the capacity of the p orbital.

If you miss a question, go back to the matching map and look at that branch again. Then retry the quiz.

Exam-style practice

Some resources suit particular courses. The quiz Chemistry - C1 - AQA - GCSe - CGP C1a Quiz covers relative masses and charges of particles. The flashcard deck Chemistry past paper - June 2009 starts with magnesium isotopes. Teachers can pick from the many maps, decks and notes to set revision tasks.

Choose one resource that matches your course, try it today, and then make your own maps and flashcards for the parts that need more work.