Over one hundred years ago, Rutherford supervised a series of experiments using a
source of alpha particles and thin gold foil.
(a) Describe the model of the atom that Rutherford proposed as a result of this series
of experiments.
(3)
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(b) The initial kinetic energy of an alpha (4α) particle is 7.3 × 10−13 J.
Question
Mathematics
Edexcel2024
This question is about atomic structure.
(a) Complete the table.
(3)
Species Number of protons Number of neutrons Number of electrons
32S
33S
34S2−
(b) A sample of sulfur was found to contain only four isotopes.
(i) Complete the table to show the percentage abundance of 34S.
(1)
Isotope 32S 33S 34S 36S
Percentage
Question
Physics
Edexcel2023
Number of neutrons Number of protons
A 8 9
B 8 17
C 9 8
D 17 8
(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)
Question
Physics
Edexcel2023
Which row of the table shows the number of neutrons and the number of protons in a
nucleus of 17O?
Question
Mathematics
Edexcel2023
Chemists often use the term ‘orbital’ when considering atomic structure.
(a) State what is meant by the term orbital.
(2)
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(b) Draw diagrams to show the shape of an s and a p orbital.
(2)
s orbital p orbital
(c) What is the electronic configuration of a copper atom?
(1)
A [Ar]4s13d10
B [Ar]4s23d9
C [Ar]4s24p13d8
D [Ar]4s24p23d7
(Total for Question 2 = 5 marks)
Question
Chemistry
CAIE2023
The table shows some information about three particles, A, B and C.
Particle | protons | neutrons | electrons
A | 8 | 8 | 10
B | 17 | 18 | 18
C | 11 | 12 | 11
(a) Identify particle A, giving its full symbol including charge.
(b) State the relationship between particles A and B.
(c) Which particle is a neutral atom? Give a reason for your answer.
[4 marks]
Physics
Edexcel2023
Which of the following can be concluded about a gold atom from the deflection of this
α particle?
A The atom contains electrons.
B The atom has zero charge.
C The nucleus is very small compared to the atom.
D The nucleus of the atom is positively charged.
(Total for Question 9 = 1 mark)
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Question
Chemistry
Edexcel2023
Magnesium has three naturally occurring isotopes: ²⁴Mg, ²⁵Mg and ²⁶Mg.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term isotopes.
(b) The percentage abundances of ²⁴Mg and ²⁵Mg are 79.0% and 10.0% respectively. Calculate the relative atomic mass of magnesium, giving your answer to 3 significant figures.
[4 marks]
Mathematics
Edexcel2022
This question is about atomic structure and the Periodic Table.
(a) Complete the table to show the relative charges and masses for a neutron and
an electron.
(2)
Particle Relative charge Relative mass
proton +1 1
neutron
electron
(b) Atomic emission spectroscopy provides evidence for the existence of
(1)
A atoms
B electrons
C isotopes
D quantum shells
(c) Draw the shape of a p orbital.
(1)
Question
Physics
Edexcel2022
Which of the following conclusions could not be made as a result of
these investigations?
A The atom is mostly empty space.
B The atom is neutral.
C The nucleus is charged.
D The nucleus is very small compared to the atom.
(Total for Question 10 = 1 mark)
Question
Physics
Edexcel2021
The vast majority of the alpha particles went straight through the foil whilst a few were
deflected straight back.
(a) Describe how the model of the atom changed, as a consequence of these experiments.
(4)
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(b) In one experiment the alpha particles had an initial energy of 7.7 MeV.
Calculate the distance of closest approach of the alpha particles to the nucleus of a
gold atom. Assume that the gold nucleus remains at rest.
(4)
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Distance of closest approach =
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