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Atomic structure

Atomic structure

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Question 10

Argon is an element with atomic number 18.

a.

Which sub-atomic particles are present in the nucleus of an argon atom?

  • A electrons and neutrons
  • B electrons and protons
  • C electrons, neutrons, and protons
  • D neutrons and protons
[1]
b.

Use words from the box to complete the sentences about the particles in an argon atom. Each word may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

[electrons, neutrons, nuclei, protons] \text{[electrons, neutrons, nuclei, protons]} [electrons, neutrons, nuclei, protons]
  • The particles with the smallest mass are __________.
  • An atom of argon has no overall charge because it contains equal numbers of __________ and __________.
  • The chemical properties of argon depend on the number of __________ in the outer shell.
[3]
c.

What is the electronic configuration of an argon atom?

  • A 2.8
  • B 2.8.8
  • C 2.8.6
  • D 2.8.8.2
[1]
d.

Argon has two isotopes that can be represented as 40Ar^{40}\text{Ar}40Ar and 36Ar^{36}\text{Ar}36Ar.

Explain, with reference to sub-atomic particles, what is meant by the term isotopes.

[2]
e.

The relative atomic mass of argon is 39.9. How does this information support the fact that a sample of argon contains more 40Ar^{40}\text{Ar}40Ar than 36Ar^{36}\text{Ar}36Ar?

[2]
f.

Argon belongs to the family of noble gases and is inert.

What is meant by the term inert?

[1]
g.

Why are noble gases inert?

[2]
Markscheme

Atomic structure Questions

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

41 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Atomic structure. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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