Fundamental Particles (Oxford AQA International A Level Chemistry) : Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Updated on

The Structure of an Atom

  • All matter is composed of atoms

  • Atoms are the smallest parts of an element that can take place in chemical reactions

  • Atoms are mostly made up of empty space around a very small, dense nucleus that contains protons and neutrons

  • Protons and neutrons are sometimes referred to as nucleons because they are found in the nucleus

  • The nucleus has an overall positive charge

    • This is because the protons have a positive charge and the neutrons have a neutral charge

  • Negatively charged electrons are found in orbitals in the empty space around the nucleus

  • Our understanding of the atomic model has evolved over time as a result of evidence from various investigations and experiments

The structure of an atom

The structure of a carbon atom
Protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, and electrons in orbitals

Subatomic Particles

  • Protonsneutrons and electrons are so small that it is not practical to measure their charges using conventional units, such as coulombs

  • Instead, their charges are compared to each other

    • This is why they are called relative electrical charges

  • The relative electrical charges and masses of the subatomic particles are:

Table of relative electrical charges

Sub-atomic particle

Relative electrical charge

Relative Mass

Proton

+1

1

Neutron

0 (neutral)

1

Electron

-1

1 over 1836

  • Atoms have no overall charge

  • This is because they have the same number of positive protons as negative electrons

    • The negative charge of one electron exactly cancels out the positive charge of one proton

  • Ions are formed when an atom loses or gains electrons to achieve a full outer shell 

    • If an atom loses one negative electron, it forms a positively charged 1+ ion 

    • If an atom gains one negative electron, it forms a negatively charged 1- ion

Examiner Tips and Tricks

The relative mass of an electron is almost negligible.

The charge of a single electron is -1.602 x 10-19  coulombs whereas the charge of a proton is +1.602 x 10-19  coulombs, however, relative to each other, their charges are -1 and +1 respectively.

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Reviewer: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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