Nuclear Model - GCSE Chemistry Definition

The Nuclear Model is a scientific model of the atom that explains its structure and behaviour. It describes the atom as having a small, dense nucleus at the centre, which contains positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. Around the nucleus are negatively charged electrons, which move in shells or orbits.

This model was developed by Ernest Rutherford after his gold foil experiment, which showed that most of an atom is empty space, with mass and positive charge concentrated in the nucleus. The Nuclear Model replaced the Plum Pudding Model and is important in GCSE Chemistry for understanding atomic structure, chemical bonding, and element reactivity.