What this topic covers
Atomic structure has 4 subtopics:
- Atoms and isotopes
- Atoms and nuclear radiation
- Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation (physics only)
- Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only)
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GCSE AQA Foundation Physics · Topic 4 of 9
Atomic structure – GCSE AQA Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Atomic structure covers Atoms and isotopes, Atoms and nuclear radiation, Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation (physics only), and Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 22 lessons in 4 subtopics.
Revise Atomic structure for GCSE AQA Foundation Physics, including Atoms and isotopes and Atoms and nuclear radiation. 22 lessons across 4 subtopics.
22
Lessons
4
Subtopics
Atomic structure lessons by subtopic
22 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Atoms and isotopes
- Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms
- Isotopes and Ion Formation
- Early Atomic Models
- The Nuclear Model
- Refining the Model: Bohr and Chadwick
- The Structure of the Atom
- Electron Arrangement and Energy Levels
Atoms and nuclear radiation
- Radioactive Contamination and Irradiation
- Safety Precautions and Peer Review
- Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons
- Radioactive Decay: Stability and Activity
- Applications and Choosing Radiation Sources
- Understanding Nuclear Equations
- Balancing Nuclear Equations
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation (physics only)
- Nuclear Radiation in Medicine
- Evaluating Risks of Nuclear Radiation
- Half-Lives and Hazards of Radioactive Isotopes
- Sources of Background Radiation
- Radiation Dose and Measurement
Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only)
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE AQA Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Atomic structure?
Atomic structure covers Atoms and isotopes, Atoms and nuclear radiation, Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation (physics only), and Nuclear fission and fusion (physics only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 22 lessons in 4 subtopics.
What is an isotope?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The Isotopes and Ion Formation notes cover this in full.
How many people died because of Chernobyl?
The WHO estimates about 4,000 total deaths from Chernobyl, the worst nuclear accident in history. The Evaluating Risks of Nuclear Radiation notes cover this in full.
What is the atomic number?
The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines the element. The Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms notes cover this in full.
What is the relative mass of an electron?
The relative mass of an electron is 1/1840, which is negligible, compared with 1 for a proton or neutron. The The Structure of the Atom notes cover this in full.
Who discovered the electron?
J.J. The Early Atomic Models notes cover this in full.
What was the alpha particle scattering experiment?
The alpha particle scattering experiment was Rutherford's experiment in which alpha particles were fired at thin gold foil to investigate atomic structure by observing how the particles were deflected. The The Nuclear Model notes cover this in full.
What is a beta particle?
A beta particle is a high-speed electron ejected from the nucleus when a neutron transforms into a proton during radioactive decay. The Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Neutrons notes cover this in full.
What is the atomic number of carbon?
The atomic number of carbon is 6, because every carbon atom has 6 protons. The Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Neutral Atoms notes cover this in full.