3.1.1.1 Fundamental particles
Appreciate that knowledge and understanding
of atomic structure has evolved over time.
Protons, neutrons and electrons: relative
charge and relative mass.
An atom consists of a nucleus containing
protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons.
3.1.1.2 Mass number and isotopes
Mass number (A) and atomic (proton)
number (Z).
Students should be able to:
• determine the number of fundamental
particles in atoms and ions using mass number, atomic number and charge
• explain the existence of isotopes.
The principles of a simple time of flight
(TOF) mass spectrometer, limited to ionisation, acceleration to give all ions
constant kinetic energy, ion
drift, ion detection, data analysis.
The mass spectrometer gives accurate
information about relative isotopic mass and also about the relative abundance
of isotopes.
Mass spectrometry can be used to identify
elements.
Mass spectrometry can be used to determine
relative molecular mass.
Students should be able to:
• interpret simple mass spectra of elements
• calculate relative atomic mass from
isotopic abundance, limited to mononuclear ions.
3.1.1.3 Electron
configuration
Electron configurations of atoms and ions
up to Z = 36 in terms of shells and sub-shells (orbitals) s, p and d.
Ionisation energies.
Students should be able to:
• define first ionisation energy
• write equations for first and successive
ionisation energies
• explain how first and successive ionisation energies in Period 3
(Na–Ar) and in Group 2 (Be–Ba) give evidence for electron configuration in
sub-shells and in shells.