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Atomic structure

Atomic structure

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Question 26

In the development of the modern model of atomic structure, Henry Moseley analysed the high-energy characteristic X-ray spectra of various elements. He discovered a linear relationship between the square root of the frequency of the characteristic X-rays (f\sqrt{f}f​) and the atomic number (ZZZ).

Which of the following describes how this discovery refined Mendeleev's periodic table and resolved anomalies such as the tellurium-iodine or argon-potassium pairs?

A

It established that atomic mass is proportional to the number of orbital electrons, confirming that Mendeleev’s mass-based sequence was fundamentally correct but required more precise mass measurements.

B

It demonstrated that the fundamental organizing principle of the elements is the nuclear charge (ZZZ) rather than atomic mass, placing elements in an order that naturally matched their chemical properties.

C

It proved that elements are defined by their mass number (AAA), showing that the anomalies were due to the existence of isotopes with different numbers of orbital electrons.

D

It showed that the periodic properties depend on the neutron-to-proton ratio (N/ZN/ZN/Z), meaning elements with the same specific charge must be grouped together.

Markscheme

Atomic structure Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Atomic structure

77 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Chemistry Atomic structure. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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