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6.1 Atomic structure and isotopes

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Question 1

A detector is used to investigate separate neutral atoms held in an atomic trap. Each atom contains 14 protons and 14 electrons.

The atoms have three allowed electron orbits. Orbit P is closest to the nucleus and orbit R is farthest from the nucleus.

ProcessEnergy transferred
Electron moves from orbit P to orbit Q2.1 × 10-19 J absorbed
Electron moves from orbit Q to orbit R3.4 × 10-19 J absorbed
An outer electron in orbit R leaves the atom6.8 × 10-19 J absorbed

Three tests are carried out.

  • In test 1, electromagnetic radiation transfers 5.5 × 10-19 J to an electron in orbit P.
  • In test 2, an electron moves directly from orbit R to orbit P.
  • In test 3, electromagnetic radiation transfers 6.8 × 10-19 J to an outer electron in orbit R.

Explain the changes that occur in the three tests. Include the orbit occupied by the electron after test 1, the energy emitted in test 2 and the relative charge of the atom after test 3.

[6]
Markscheme

6.1 Atomic structure and isotopes Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /6.1 Atomic structure and isotopes

103 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 6.1 Atomic structure and isotopes, covering 6.1.1 Structure of the atom, 6.1.2 Isotopes: atomic and mass number, 6.1.3 Sub-atomic particles: masses and charges, and 6.1.4 Electron orbits and energy changes. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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