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4.1 Atoms and isotopes

4.1 Atoms and isotopes

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Question 1
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The plum pudding model of the atom was replaced by the nuclear model after the alpha particle scattering experiment.

Table 1 shows three descriptions of the structure of an atom.

DescriptionLabel
The atom consists of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons.A
The atom is a sphere of positive charge with tiny negative electrons embedded inside it.B
Electrons orbit the nucleus in shells at specific, fixed energy levels.C
a.
  1. Which label (A, B, or C) describes the plum pudding model?
  2. What is the correct chronological order of these models, from earliest to most recent?
[2]
b.

During the alpha particle scattering experiment, positively charged alpha particles were fired at a thin gold foil containing gold nuclei.

Complete the following sentences. Choose your answers from the options below:

attracted to, repelled by, increases, decreases, remains constant, stronger, weaker \text{attracted to, } \text{repelled by, } \text{increases, } \text{decreases, } \text{remains constant, } \text{stronger, } \text{weaker} attracted to, repelled by, increases, decreases, remains constant, stronger, weaker
  • An alpha particle has a positive charge. Since the gold nucleus is also positively charged, the alpha particle is ____________________ the gold nucleus.
  • As an alpha particle travels closer to the gold nucleus, the electrostatic force experienced by the alpha particle ____________________.
  • If a heavier nucleus with a larger positive charge were used instead of gold, the electrostatic force of repulsion at any given distance would be ____________________.
[3]
c.

The scientists who carried out the experiment repeated their measurements themselves multiple times using the same apparatus and obtained the same results each time.

Which term describes measurements that yield consistent results when repeated by the same investigator using the same method and equipment?

  • Option 1: Accurate
  • Option 2: Precise
  • Option 3: Repeatable
  • Option 4: Reproducible
[1]
Markscheme

4.1 Atoms and isotopes Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /4.1 Atoms and isotopes

3 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Physics 4.1 Atoms and isotopes, covering 4.1.1 The structure of an atom, 4.1.2 Mass number, atomic number and isotopes, and 4.1.3 The development of the model of the atom (common content with chemistry). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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