Atomic structureIB MYP Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Atomic structure

1. A teacher in Nairobi builds a model of a lithium atom for her class. Her atom has 3 protons and 4 neutrons and is electrically neutral.
   State the number of electrons in the lithium atom and explain why the atom has no overall charge.2 marks
2. In 1909 Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden, working with Ernest Rutherford, fired alpha particles at a very thin sheet of gold foil and counted where the particles ended up. Almost all of the alpha particles passed straight through. A very small number were deflected through large angles, and a very few bounced almost straight back.
   Explain why a small number of the alpha particles were deflected through large angles.2 marks
3. A student compares three neutral atoms. Atom X has 6 protons and 6 neutrons. Atom Y has 6 protons and 8 neutrons. Atom Z has 7 protons and 7 neutrons.
   Identify which two atoms are isotopes of the same element and justify your answer.3 marks