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Atomic Structure & Specific Charge
Introduction
Atomic structure forms the foundation of modern Physics. Everything in the universe is made of atoms, and understanding their structure is essential for studying particles, radiation, nuclear Physics and quantum phenomena later in the AQA A Level Physics course.
In this topic, students learn about the properties of protons, neutrons and electrons, how atoms are organised, and the concept of specific charge. This topic also introduces one of the key experimental achievements of twentieth-century Physics: the measurement of the specific charge of the electron.
AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.2.1.1 Constituents of the Atom
What You Need to Know
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Describe the structure of the atom.
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State the charge and relative mass of protons, neutrons and electrons.
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Define nucleons.
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Explain the meaning of atomic number and mass number.
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Describe isotopes.
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Define specific charge.
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Calculate specific charge using charge and mass values.
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Explain the significance of the electron's large specific charge.
Downloadable Topic Pack
Atomic Structure & Specific Charge Past Exam Question & Answer Pack
Related Topics
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Stable and Unstable Nuclei
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Particles, Antiparticles and Photons
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Classification of Particles
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Quarks and Antiquarks
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