Simple Model of the Atom (AQA GCSE Chemistry)

Exam Questions

3 hours28 questions
1a4 marks

This question is about the structure of atoms.

Complete the sentences.

Choose answers from the box. 

protons neutrons electrons
nucleus shells
 

The __________________ of an atom contains neutrons and __________________.

The __________________ are arranged in __________________  on the outside of the atom.

1b3 marks

Complete Table 1 to show the relative masses of the three particles.

    
Table 1
 
Particle Relative mass
Electron  
Neutron  
Proton  
 

1c1 mark

Which particle has a negative charge?

Choose the answer from the box. 

electron neutron nucleus proton

1d3 marks

Using the Periodic Table, complete the following chemical symbols.

  Be presubscript __ presuperscript 9 space end presuperscript            __ presubscript 11 presuperscript 23            __ presubscript ___ space end presubscript presuperscript 35.5 end presuperscript

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2a1 mark

What name is given to different atoms chemically bonded in a fixed ratio? 

2b1 mark

Name the chemical that is formed when aluminium and oxygen react.

2c1 mark

Complete the word equation.

 sodium + nitrogen → _________________________

2d2 marks

Carbon dioxide can be formed when carbon monoxide reacts with oxygen.

Write the word equation for this reaction.

2e2 marks

Calcium oxide, CaO, reacts with carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate, CaCO3.

Write the balanced symbol equation for this reaction.

2f1 mark

Balance the equation for the reaction of chromium with bromine.

 2Cr + ___ Br2 → 2CrBr3 

2g1 mark

Electroplating is used to coat a cheap metal with a thin layer of an expensive metal.

Figure 1 shows a metal fork being electroplated in a solution of silver nitrate, AgNO3.

Figure 1

electroplating-a-fork-aqa-gcse-1-1-easy-q2g 

Silver nitrate, AgNO3) contains silver ions (Ag+) and nitrate ions (NO3−).

Complete the half equation to show the silver ions gaining electrons to become silver atoms.

 Ag+ + ___ → Ag

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3a3 marks

This question is about separating mixtures.

Substances can be separated from a mixture by various methods.

 Draw one line from each substance and mixture to the best separation technique.

 
aqa-gcse-1-1e-q3a

3b3 marks

A student filters a mixture using the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

filtration-add-labels-aqa-gcse-1-1e-q3b

Label the apparatus used for filtration.

3c2 marks

Crude oil is a mixture of a large number of compounds which can be separated using the fractional distillation apparatus shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2

fractional-distillation-processes-aqa-gcse-1-1e-q3c

Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentences.

 
The process occurring at point A is

condensation

evaporation

sublimation

The process occurring

at point B is

condensation

evaporation

sublimation

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4a5 marks

This question is about the history and development of models of the atom.

Experimental evidence has allowed our knowledge and understanding of the structure of the atom to develop over time.

Draw one line from each year to the model of the atom.

 
Ntkdvx96_history-of-the-atom-match-activity

4b1 mark

Rutherford completed an experiment firing particles at gold atoms. His results from the scattering experiment helped provide evidence for atoms containing a central nucleus.

Which particle did Rutherford fire at gold atoms in his experiment?

Tick (✓) one box.

Alpha  
Electron  
Neutron  
Proton  

 

4c4 marks

Complete the sentences.

Choose answers from the box.

Each word may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

protons neutrons electrons
nucleus ion

 

Niels Bohr gave theoretical and mathematical proof that _______________ orbit the centre of the atom. 

J. J. Thomson used a cathode ray tube experiment to prove the existence of _______________ .

James Chadwick published a paper proving that the _______________ contains _______________ .

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5a
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2 marks

Table 1 shows information about two isotopes of element Q.

Table 1

  Mass number  Percentage (%) abundance
Isotope 1 107 51.9
Isotope 2 109 48.1

Calculate the relative atomic mass (Ar) of element Q using the equation:

 

A subscript straight r equals fraction numerator left parenthesis mass space number cross times percentage right parenthesis space of space isotope space 1 plus left parenthesis mass space number cross times percentage right parenthesis space of space isotope space 2 over denominator 100 end fraction 

Use the table above.

Give your answer to 1 decimal place.

5b1 mark

Using the periodic table, suggest the identity of element Q.

5c
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4 marks

Another element, X, has the atomic number 22.

Use the periodic table to identify element X and calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons that it contains.

Element X = __________

Number of protons = __________

Number of neutrons = __________

Number of electrons = __________

5d
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2 marks

The radius of the centre of the atom is bevelled 1 over 10000 the radius of the atom.

The radius of an atom of element Z is 1.06 × 10−10 m

Calculate the radius of the centre of an atom of element Z.

Give your answer in standard form.

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6a3 marks

The question is about the particles inside an atom.

Calculate the number of particles in an atom of Be presubscript 4 presuperscript 9.

Electrons = _____

Neutrons = _____

Protons = _____

6b4 marks

Figure 1 represents an atom of straight C presubscript 6 presuperscript 12 with 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons.

Figure 1

full-carbon-sub-atomic-structure

Complete Figure 2 to show the full atomic structure of a Li presubscript 3 presuperscript 7 atom.

Figure 2

-yGzqbM4_2-shell-blank

6c1 mark

The number notation for the electrons in carbon is 2,4.

Give the number notation for the electrons in lithium.

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1a2 marks

Using the Periodic Table, write down the chemical symbols for:

The element with a mass of 9: _____

The element with 9 protons: _____

1b2 marks

A lithium atom can lose an electron to form a lithium ion, which can be written (2)+.

A fluorine atom can gain an electron to form a fluoride ion.

Which of the following is the correct way to write the fluoride ion?

(2,8)+   (2,4)+   (2,7)+   (2,8)–   (2,7)– 

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2
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1 mark

The atomic structure of an unknown element is shown below. 

Ku_H85fR_1-1

What is the atomic number and mass number for the unknown element?

  Atomic Number Mass Number
 A 6 11
 B 5 11
 C 5 6
 D 6 10

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    31 mark

     Element Cu has two isotopes. Their mass numbers are 63 and 65. 

    • Cu- 63 has a percentage abundance of 69.2%
    • Cu- 65 has a percentage abundance of 30.8% 

    Estimate the relative atomic mass of element Cu.

    • Below 63

    • Between 63.5 and 64

    • Between 64 and 64.5

    • Above 64.5

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    4a1 mark

    This question is based on atoms.

    What does the number 24 represent in 24Mg?

    4b4 marks

    The nuclear model of the atom was based on experimental work involving the alpha particle scattering experiment. 

    This model replaced the older plum pudding model. 

    Compare both of these models.

    4c2 marks

    The mass numbers and percentage abundance of three isotopes of an element are shown in Table 1.

    Table 1

      Isotope 1 Isotope 2 Isotope 3
    Mass number 33 34 35
    Percentage (%) 68.5 15.1 16.4


    Calculate the relative atomic mass (
    Ar) of the element.

    Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

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    5a1 mark

    The second row of the periodic table holds eight elements starting with lithium and ending with neon.

    Figure 2 shows an atom with two electron shells or energy levels.

    Figure 2

    label-the-nucleus-aqa-sq-1-1m-5a

    Complete Figure 2 to represent the electronic structure of an atom of boron, using X’s to represent the electrons.

    5b1 mark

    Name the part of the atom labelled Z in Figure 2.

    5c3 marks

    Give the name of the subatomic particles in part Z of a boron atom.

    State the relative charges of these subatomic particles.

    5d3 marks

    The electronic structure in Figure 3 is of a neon atom and it is not correct.

    Figure 3

    aqa-sq-1-1m-5d-incorrect-neon-electronic-structure

    Explain what is wrong with the electronic structure shown in Figure 3.

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    6a1 mark

    This question is based on chlorine.

    What is the group number of chlorine?

    6b4 marks

    Complete the table below showing the properties of the subatomic particles.

    Name of particle

    Relative mass

    Charge

    Proton

     

     

    Neutron

    1

    0

     

    Very small

     

    6c1 mark

    Use the correct word from the box to complete the sentence below.

    alkalis         alloys         isotopes 

    Atoms of chlorine with different numbers of neutrons are called _____________ .

    6d1 mark

    Sodium reacts with chlorine to form common table salt.

    Complete the word equation for this reaction.

    Sodium     +    _______________   →     ______________

    6e1 mark

    Write the half equation to show sodium metal becoming a sodium ion.

    6f2 marks

    Complete the half equation to show a molecule of chlorine becoming chloride ions.

     Cl2 + _____  →  _____

    6g2 marks

    Complete the following sentences.

    Substances in which atoms of two or more different elements are chemically combined are called _______________.

    Substances that are placed together in the same container, that do not react with each other and can be separated by physical means are called _____________. 

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    7a1 mark

    Rock salt is a mixture of sand and salt. Salt dissolves in water while sand does not. 

    A group of students separated rock salt. 

    They used the following method.

    1. Add the rock salt to a beaker.

    2. Add 250 cm3 of water.

    3. Leave without disturbing to allow the sand to settle to the bottom.

    4. After a while, decant the salt water into an evaporating dish.

    5. Heat the evaporating dish with a Bunsen burner until salt crystals begin to form.

    Suggest one improvement to step 2 that the students could have done to make sure all the salt is dissolved.

    7b1 mark

    The salty water in step 4 still contained a very small amount of sand grains. 

    Suggest one improvement to step 4 that could successfully remove the sand.

    7c1 mark

    Suggest one safety precautions the students should take in step 5.

    7d2 marks

    Another student separated water from salty water using the apparatus in the diagram below.

    Figure 4

    saltwater-distillation-aqa-sq-1-1m-7d

    By referring to points 1 and 2 in Figure 4, describe how this technique works.

    7e1 mark

    What is the reading on the thermometer during this process?

    Reading: _______ 

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    81 mark

    Niels Bohr was one scientist who contributed to the development of the atomic model. 

    What was his discovery?

    • An atom is a ball of positive charge with electrons scattered throughout it

    • An atom is mainly empty space 

    • Mass is concentrated at the centre of the atom called the nucleus

    • Electrons exist in shells and orbit the nucleus at specific distances

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    91 mark

    Symbol equations always need to have the same number of atoms on both sides.

    Which equation is not correctly balanced?

    • H2SO4   +   2NaOH    →   Na2SO4   +   2H2O

    • Ca(OH)2   +   2HCl    →    CaCl2   +   2H2O­

    • 4Na   +   O­2­    →   2Na­2­O

    • 2Cu   +   HNO3     →      2Cu(NO3)2  +   H2

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    101 mark

    As the atomic model developed, protons, neutrons and electrons were discovered. 

    What is the correct order of discovery?

      First Second Third
     A Proton Neutron Electron
     B Proton Electron Neutron
     C Electron Proton Neutron
     D Electron Neutron Proton

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      11a1 mark

      The many millions of different substances in the world are all made from elements.

      Define the term ‘element’.

      11b2 marks

      Most of the substances that we come across everyday are compounds.

      What is a compound?

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      12a1 mark

      The series of diagrams in Figure 1 below shows different ways of representing the atom.

      Figure 1

      different-atomic-models-aqa-sq-1-1m-3a

      Which diagram represents the plum pudding model of the atom?

      Tick (✔) one box.

      A   B   C   D   E  
      12b1 mark

      Which diagram represents the model that is based on the alpha particle scattering experiment?

      Tick (✔) one box.

      A   B   C   D   E  
      12c1 mark

      Which diagram represents the model of the atom according to Bohr's work?

      Tick (✔) one box.

      A   B   C   D   E  
      12d1 mark

      Write down the definition for the mass number of an atom.

      12e1 mark

      Element Z has two isotopes. Their masses are 57  and 59.

      The percentage abundance of each isotope is:

      • 75% of 57Z
      • 25% of 59Z

      Estimate the relative atomic mass of element Z.

      Tick (✔) one box.

      < 57.5  
      Between 57.5 and 58.0  
      Between 58.0 and 59.0  
      Between 59.0 and 60.5  
      > 60.5  
      12f3 marks

      The work that Chadwick carried out in his experiments allowed for a better understanding of isotopes.

      Explain how his work made advances in our understanding of isotopes.

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      1a2 marks

      This question is about the development of the model of the atom.

      Figure 1 shows some important stages in the development of the model of the atom.

      Figure 1

      aqa-gcse-1-1h-q1a-atomic-model-timeline

      Explain how J. J. Thomson's discovery developed the model of the atom.

       

      1b4 marks

      Ernest Rutherford adapted the model of the atom. 

      Explain how evidence from Rutherford's experiment led to a development in the model of the atom.

      1c3 marks

      Explain how Chadwick’s experimental work further developed the model of the atom and helped scientists better understand isotopes.

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      2a3 marks

      This question is about atomic structure.

      A group of students looks at the diagram below showing the arrangement of electrons in a chemical substance.

      aqa-gcse-1-1h-sq-q2a-2-8-electron-configuration

      The students make the following incorrect or incomplete conclusions:

      • Student 1 states that the substance is fluorine, neon or sodium
      • Student 2 states that it is not possible to determine which atom or ion the diagram represents
      • Student 3 states that the mass number is 10

      Explain how students 1 and 2 could combine their ideas to produce one possible correct conclusion with an appropriate justification.

      2b2 marks

      Evaluate student 1's suggestions of fluorine and sodium.

      2c3 marks

      Correct student 3's statement. Explain your reasoning.

      2d3 marks

      The students are told that the diagram represents  Mg presubscript 12 presuperscript 25 superscript 2 plus end superscript.

      Describe the additions that should be made to the diagram to show this.

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      3a2 marks

      A scientist produces silicon.

      In the first step, the scientist first heats a mixture of sand (silicon dioxide) and magnesium powder.

      In the second step, after cooling, the resulting mixture containing magnesium oxide and silicon is placed into a beaker and hydrochloric acid is added.

      Write a balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, for the reaction in the first step.

      3b1 mark

      Write the word equation for the reaction that occurs in the second step.

      3c1 mark

      Explain how the silicon can be removed from the final reaction mixture.

      3d1 mark

      During the second step, several gases are also produced.

      One of the gases produced is silane, SiH4, which has a similar structure to methane, CH4.

      Silane spontaneously reacts with oxygen.

      SiH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) → SiO2 (s) + 2H2O (l)

      Compare, in terms of energy, the strength of the Si-H bond in silane compared to the C-H bond in methane.

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      4a6 marks

      This question is about mixtures.

      Figure 1 shows a chromatogram of the food dyes in a black food colouring.

      Figure 1

      chromatogram-black-ink

      Describe how a student could obtain a chromatogram similar to the one shown in Figure 1. 

      4b2 marks

      Chromatography is performed on another black food colouring.

      This new food colouring contains the same individual dyes as those shown in Figure 1 but in different proportions.

      Predict the appearance of this chromatogram. Justify your answer.

      4c2 marks

      A student prepares a sample of butan-1-ol, which has a boiling point of 118 oC.

      The sample contains an impurity with a boiling point of 125 oC.

      The student plans to purify the sample using the equipment shown in Figure 2.

       
      Figure 2
       
      aqa-gcse-1-1h-sq-q4c-simple-distillation-with-water-bath
       

      Explain why this equipment is unsuitable for separating the reaction mixture.

      4d2 marks

      Explain why cold water should enter the condenser at the lowest point. 

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      5a3 marks

      This question is about chlorine.

      Explain the information given by the numbers in the chemical symbol for chlorine

       

      Cl presubscript 17 presuperscript 35.5 end presuperscript 

      5b
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      2 marks

      Calculate the number of atoms that are present in one mole of chlorine gas.

      5c2 marks

      Complete the dot and cross diagram to show the covalent bonding in a chlorine molecule, Cl2.

      Show only the electrons in the outer shell.

      5d2 marks

      The radius of a chlorine atom is approximately 1 x 10-10 m.

      State and explain the difference, if any, between the radius of a chlorine atom and a chloride ion.

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