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Structure of the Atom

CBSE notes, revision, important questions, MCQs, mock tests & result analytics

Structure of the Atom

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CBSE Learning Objectives – Key Concepts & Skills You Must Know

  • Understand the historical development of atomic models.
  • Explain Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment and its significance.
  • Describe Bohr's model of the atom and its improvements over previous models.
  • Identify the three sub-atomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons.
  • Define atomic number and mass number, and explain their significance in identifying elements.
  • Differentiate between isotopes and isobars with examples.
  • Calculate the average atomic mass of an element based on isotopic composition.
  • Explain the concept of valency and its determination for various elements.

CBSE Revision Notes & Quick Summary for Last-Minute Study

Structure of the Atom

Atomic Models

Thomson's Model of the Atom

  • Proposed that an atom consists of a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded in it, similar to a Christmas pudding.
  • Electrons are like currants in the pudding, evenly distributed throughout the positive charge.

Rutherford's Model of the Atom

  • Conducted an experiment using alpha particles to probe the structure of the atom.
  • Proposed that a tiny nucleus exists at the center of the atom with electrons revolving around it.

Bohr's Model of the Atom

  • Introduced the concept of discrete orbits for electrons around the nucleus.
  • Electrons do not radiate energy while revolving in these orbits.

Subatomic Particles

  • Electrons: Negatively charged particles.
  • Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus.
  • Neutrons: Neutral particles also found in the nucleus.

Atomic Number and Mass Number

  • Atomic Number (Z): Number of protons in the nucleus.
  • Mass Number (A): Total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Isotopes and Isobars

  • Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different mass numbers (e.g., Carbon-12 and Carbon-14).
  • Isobars: Atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers (e.g., Calcium and Argon both with mass number 40).

Valency

  • Valency is the combining capacity of an atom, determined by the number of electrons in the outermost shell.
  • Example: Sodium (Na) has a valency of 1, while Oxygen (O) has a valency of 2.

Electron Configuration

  • Electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus:
    • K shell (n=1): Max 2 electrons
    • L shell (n=2): Max 8 electrons
    • M shell (n=3): Max 18 electrons
    • N shell (n=4): Max 32 electrons

Applications of Isotopes

  • Isotopes have various applications:
    • Uranium isotope used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
    • Cobalt isotope used in cancer treatment.
    • Iodine isotope used in the treatment of goitre.

Important Diagrams

  • Bohr Model: Shows electron arrangements in concentric circles around the nucleus.
  • Atomic Structure Diagram: Illustrates the nucleus and electron shells, labeling K, L, M, and N shells.

CBSE Exam Tips, Important Questions & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

  • Misunderstanding Isotopes and Isobars: Students often confuse isotopes (same atomic number, different mass numbers) with isobars (same mass number, different atomic numbers).
  • Incorrect Electronic Configuration: Ensure the electronic configuration follows the correct order of filling (K, L, M, N shells).
  • Valency Calculation Errors: Students may miscalculate valency by not considering the number of electrons in the outermost shell correctly.

Tips for Success

  • Review Atomic Models: Familiarize yourself with Thomson's, Rutherford's, and Bohr's models to understand the evolution of atomic theory.
  • Practice Calculating Average Atomic Mass: Work on problems involving the calculation of average atomic mass from isotopic abundances.
  • Understand the Concept of Atomic Number and Mass Number: Remember that atomic number (Z) is the number of protons, while mass number (A) is the sum of protons and neutrons.
  • Use Tables for Reference: Utilize tables for quick reference on atomic numbers, mass numbers, and valencies of elements.

CBSE Quiz & Practice Test – MCQs, True/False Questions with Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

79.9 u

B.

80.0 u

C.

80.1 u

D.

80.2 u
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The average atomic mass is calculated as (79 u * 0.497) + (81 u * 0.503) = 80.1 u.

A.

1

B.

2

C.

3

D.

4
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Magnesium has two electrons in its outermost shell, giving it a valency of 2.

A.

10.4 u

B.

10.6 u

C.

10.8 u

D.

11.0 u
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The average atomic mass is calculated as follows: Average atomic mass=(10×0.6)+(11×0.4)=6+4.4=10.6 u\text{Average atomic mass} = (10 \times 0.6) + (11 \times 0.4) = 6 + 4.4 = 10.6 \text{ u}.

A.

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

B.

Isotopes have different atomic numbers and different mass numbers.

C.

Isotopes have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

D.

Isotopes have different chemical properties.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to a different number of neutrons. This is why option A is correct.

A.

10

B.

12

C.

18

D.

20
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The K shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons and the L shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Therefore, the total number of electrons is 2+8=102 + 8 = 10.

A.

Iodine-127

B.

Iodine-129

C.

Iodine-131

D.

Iodine-135
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Iodine-131 is commonly used in the treatment of goitre.

A.

Isotopes have the same number of neutrons but different numbers of protons.

B.

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

C.

Isotopes have different chemical properties.

D.

Isotopes are atoms of different elements with the same mass number.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element having the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to varying numbers of neutrons.

A.

Uranium

B.

Cobalt

C.

Iodine

D.

Chlorine
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

An isotope of cobalt is used in the treatment of cancer.

A.

Nitrogen

B.

Carbon

C.

Oxygen

D.

Helium
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means it has 6 protons in its nucleus.

A.

Most alpha particles passed through the foil without deflection.

B.

Some alpha particles were deflected at large angles.

C.

Alpha particles were absorbed by the foil.

D.

Alpha particles were deflected at small angles.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The large-angle deflections of alpha particles indicated the presence of a dense, positively charged nucleus that repelled the positively charged alpha particles.

A.

Isotopes have different chemical properties.

B.

Isotopes have different atomic numbers.

C.

Isotopes have the same number of protons but different mass numbers.

D.

Isotopes have the same mass number but different numbers of neutrons.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers.

A.

Isobars have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

B.

Isobars have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

C.

Isobars have the same number of neutrons but different atomic numbers.

D.

Isobars have the same chemical properties.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Isobars are atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

A.

Most alpha particles passed through the foil without deflection.

B.

Some alpha particles were deflected at small angles.

C.

A few alpha particles were deflected back at large angles.

D.

Alpha particles were absorbed by the foil.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The observation that a few alpha particles were deflected back at large angles indicated that they encountered a very small, dense, positively charged nucleus.

A.

1

B.

2

C.

3

D.

4
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The element with atomic number 8 is oxygen, which has 6 electrons in its outermost shell and needs 2 more to complete its octet, giving it a valency of 2.

A.

It has 8 protons and 6 neutrons.

B.

It has 6 protons and 8 neutrons.

C.

It has 14 protons and 6 neutrons.

D.

It has 6 protons and 14 neutrons.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The atomic number indicates the number of protons, which is 6. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons, so there are 8 neutrons (14 - 6 = 8).

A.

Helium

B.

Neon

C.

Lithium

D.

Oxygen
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Neon has a complete outermost shell with 8 electrons, making it a noble gas.

A.

Rutherford's model

B.

Bohr's model

C.

Thomson's model

D.

Chadwick's model
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Thomson's model of the atom proposed that electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere, similar to a plum pudding.

A.

Atoms with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons.

B.

Atoms with the same number of neutrons but different number of protons.

C.

Atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

D.

Atoms with the same chemical properties but different physical properties.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Isobars are atoms that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers, meaning they have the same total number of nucleons but differ in the number of protons and neutrons.

A.

Helium (He)

B.

Magnesium (Mg)

C.

Fluorine (F)

D.

Oxygen (O)
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Magnesium (Mg) has the electronic configuration of 2, 8, 2. It can lose two electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, forming a +2 ion. Therefore, option B is correct.

A.

10

B.

11

C.

12

D.

13
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The atomic number is equal to the number of protons in an atom. Therefore, it is 11.

A.

6

B.

8

C.

12

D.

14
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The mass number of an atom is the sum of protons and neutrons. Therefore, 6 protons + 8 neutrons = 14.

A.

U-235

B.

U-238

C.

U-234

D.

U-236
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

U-235 is the isotope of uranium used as fuel in nuclear reactors due to its ability to sustain a chain reaction.

A.

6

B.

8

C.

14

D.

12
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, which is 6 + 8 = 14.

A.

3

B.

4

C.

7

D.

10
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Therefore, mass number = 3 (protons) + 4 (neutrons) = 7.

A.

3+

B.

3-

C.

2+

D.

2-
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The atom initially has 15 protons and 15 electrons. Losing 3 electrons results in 15 protons and 12 electrons, giving a net charge of 1512=3+15 - 12 = 3+.

A.

Neon

B.

Oxygen

C.

Sodium

D.

Chlorine
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Neon has a completely filled outermost shell with 8 electrons in the L shell, making it stable and inert.

A.

J.J. Thomson

B.

E. Goldstein

C.

Ernest Rutherford

D.

Niels Bohr
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

J.J. Thomson is credited with the discovery of the electron.

A.

1:1

B.

3:1

C.

1:3

D.

2:1
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The average atomic mass is closer to 35, suggesting that the isotope with mass 35 is more abundant. A 3:1 ratio of the isotopes with masses 35 and 37 would yield an average mass of 35.5 u.

A.

6

B.

8

C.

10

D.

16
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The number of neutrons in an atom is given by the difference between the mass number and the atomic number. For this atom, the number of neutrons is 16 - 8 = 8. Therefore, option B is correct.

A.

Neon

B.

Sodium

C.

Oxygen

D.

Fluorine
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Neon has a complete octet with 8 electrons in its outermost shell, making it a noble gas.

A.

Electron

B.

Proton

C.

Atomic nucleus

D.

Neutron
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Rutherford's experiment demonstrated that the atom has a small, dense, positively charged nucleus, leading to the discovery of the atomic nucleus. Thus, option C is correct.

A.

Neutron

B.

Proton

C.

Positron

D.

Anti-proton
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The particle 'Q' has a mass similar to a proton but with an opposite charge, indicating it is an anti-proton.

A.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different atomic numbers.

B.

Isotopes are atoms of different elements with the same mass number.

C.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different mass numbers.

D.

Isotopes are atoms of different elements with the same atomic number.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers due to a different number of neutrons.

A.

Helium

B.

Deuterium

C.

Neutronium

D.

A neutron
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Replacing a proton with a neutron in a hydrogen atom results in a lone neutron, as the atomic number becomes zero, which does not correspond to any element.

A.

Electron

B.

Proton

C.

Neutron

D.

Photon
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

E. Goldstein discovered the proton.

A.

Isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

B.

Isotopes have different atomic numbers and different mass numbers.

C.

Isotopes have the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

D.

Isotopes have different chemical properties.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

A.

100.5 u

B.

101.0 u

C.

100.0 u

D.

101.5 u
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The average atomic mass is calculated as: Average atomic mass=(100×0.75)+(102×0.25)=75+25.5=100.5u\text{Average atomic mass} = (100 \times 0.75) + (102 \times 0.25) = 75 + 25.5 = 100.5\, \text{u}.

A.

Boron

B.

Carbon

C.

Oxygen

D.

Neon
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Boron has three electrons in its outermost shell, giving it a valency of 3.

A.

Thomson's Model

B.

Rutherford's Model

C.

Bohr's Model

D.

Quantum Mechanical Model
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Rutherford's model proposed that electrons revolve around a central nucleus, which was a significant departure from Thomson's model.

A.

2

B.

3

C.

4

D.

6
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The element with atomic number 6 is carbon, which has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p². It needs 4 more electrons to complete its octet, so its valency is 4.

A.

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³

B.

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶

C.

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴

D.

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹ 3p⁶
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The atom has 15 protons and 15 electrons in its neutral state, with the configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³. Losing three electrons results in a configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶.

A.

2

B.

8

C.

18

D.

32
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

According to the formula 2n22n^2, where nn is the shell number, the M shell (n=3) can hold a maximum of 2×32=182 \times 3^2 = 18 electrons.

A.

6

B.

8

C.

10

D.

12
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. Therefore, an atomic number of 8 means it has 8 protons.

A.

1

B.

2

C.

3

D.

4
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Oxygen, with an atomic number of 8, has a valency of 2 because it needs two more electrons to complete its outer shell.

A.

Lithium

B.

Neon

C.

Sodium

D.

Aluminium
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Sodium (Na) has an electronic configuration of 2, 8, 1. When it loses one electron to form Na⁺, the outermost shell becomes filled with 8 electrons.

A.

35.5 u

B.

36 u

C.

34.5 u

D.

37 u
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The average atomic mass of chlorine is 35.5 u, based on the isotopic masses and their ratio.

A.

15

B.

16

C.

31

D.

46
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The number of neutrons is calculated by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: 3115=1631 - 15 = 16.

A.

Proton

B.

Neutron

C.

Electron

D.

Photon
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

J.J. Thomson is credited with the discovery of the electron, a negatively charged subatomic particle.

A.

Most alpha particles passed through the foil without deflection.

B.

Alpha particles were absorbed by the gold foil.

C.

All alpha particles were deflected at large angles.

D.

Alpha particles emitted light upon hitting the foil.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Rutherford observed that most alpha particles passed through the gold foil without deflection, indicating that most of the atom is empty space, with a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center.

A.

Helium

B.

Oxygen

C.

Sodium

D.

Chlorine
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Oxygen has 6 electrons in its outermost shell and needs 2 more to complete an octet, giving it a valency of 2.

A.

Electron

B.

Proton

C.

Neutron

D.

Alpha particle
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The mass of an electron is about 1/2000th the mass of a proton.

A.

Rutherford's model

B.

Bohr's model

C.

Thomson's model

D.

Quantum mechanical model
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Thomson's model of the atom, also known as the 'plum pudding model,' proposed that electrons are embedded within a positively charged sphere.

A.

-1

B.

0

C.

+1

D.

+2
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

A proton has a charge of +1.

A.

10

B.

18

C.

8

D.

32
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The K shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons and the L shell can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. Therefore, if both K and L shells are completely filled, the total number of electrons is 2 + 8 = 10.

A.

Uranium-235

B.

Iodine-131

C.

Cobalt-60

D.

Carbon-14
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Cobalt-60 is an isotope used in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer due to its radioactive properties.

A.

92

B.

94

C.

90

D.

91
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The conservation of nucleons requires that the sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers before and after the reaction remains constant. Given the fission products and neutrons, the atomic number of 'Z' must be 92.

A.

20%

B.

40%

C.

60%

D.

80%
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Let the abundance of the isotope with mass 22 be xx. Then, 20(1x)+22x=20.420(1-x) + 22x = 20.4. Solving gives 2020x+22x=20.420 - 20x + 22x = 20.4, 2x=0.42x = 0.4, x=0.2x = 0.2 or 20%.

A.

Proton

B.

Electron

C.

Neutron

D.

Alpha particle
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

J.J. Thomson is credited with the discovery of the electron, a sub-atomic particle with a negative charge.

A.

Electron

B.

Proton

C.

Neutron

D.

Positron
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

E. Goldstein discovered canal rays, which led to the discovery of protons, a positively charged subatomic particle.

A.

Protons were discovered by J.J. Thomson using cathode ray tubes.

B.

Protons were discovered by E. Goldstein through canal rays.

C.

Protons were discovered by Rutherford using alpha-particle scattering.

D.

Protons were discovered by Niels Bohr through spectral lines.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

E. Goldstein discovered the presence of positively charged particles, later identified as protons, through his experiments with canal rays.

True or False

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The mass number of an atom is equal to the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

It was J.J. Thomson's model that proposed electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere, not Rutherford's model.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Isotopes have the same chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons, but different physical properties due to different masses.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The valency of an element is determined by the number of electrons in its outermost shell, not by the number of protons in the nucleus.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Isobars are atoms of different elements that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers, not the same atomic number.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

J.J. Thomson proposed the 'plum pudding' model of the atom, where electrons are embedded in a positively charged sphere, similar to seeds in a watermelon.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The mass of an electron is about 1/2000th the mass of a proton, not 2000 times greater.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

J.J. Thomson's model of the atom suggested that electrons are embedded within a positively charged sphere.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Rutherford's experiment led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus, not the electron.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties but different physical properties.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Atoms are divisible and contain sub-atomic particles such as electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The mass of a proton is approximately 2000 times that of an electron, as stated in the text.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

An isotope of uranium is indeed used as a fuel in nuclear reactors, as mentioned in the excerpts.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The atomic number of an element is the same as the number of protons in its nucleus, not neutrons.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

J.J. Thomson discovered the electron but it was Dalton who originally proposed that atoms are indivisible. Thomson's work showed that atoms have internal structure, contradicting Dalton's idea.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The atomic number is indeed defined as the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Rutherford's model proposed a tiny nucleus with electrons revolving around it, but it could not explain why the electrons did not spiral into the nucleus, leading to instability.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Rutherford's alpha-particle scattering experiment led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus, not the electron.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Rutherford's model proposed a tiny nucleus with electrons revolving around it, but it could not explain the stability of the atom.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Isobars are atoms of different elements with the same mass number but different atomic numbers.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons in its nucleus, not neutrons.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Atoms are composed of protons and electrons, which mutually balance their charges. Protons are positively charged, and electrons are negatively charged.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Bohr's model proposed that electrons occupy specific energy levels or shells around the nucleus, which explained the stability of atoms better than previous models.