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GCSE Chemistry › C1.1 Atomic structure
Free AQA GCSE Chemistry practice questions on Atomic structure. Sample questions below with detailed mark schemes — sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
A student is investigating different isotopes of carbon used in archaeological dating. Carbon-12 is the most abundant stable isotope, while carbon-14 is radioactive and used in radiocarbon dating of ancient artifacts. Both isotopes have 6 protons but differ in their number of neutrons.
A student uses a mass spectrometer to analyse a sample of chlorine gas. The instrument separates chlorine atoms based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The results show two distinct peaks at mass numbers 35 and 37, with the peak at mass 35 being approximately three times taller than the peak at mass 37.
A student is learning about the structure of atoms by studying a diagram of a carbon atom. The diagram shows particles arranged in different regions around a central nucleus. The student needs to understand the key terms used to describe atomic structure.
A student is learning about atomic structure. They observe a diagram showing a carbon atom with 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons. They wonder why the nucleus is so small compared to the overall size of the atom, and how the electrons stay in the atom without falling into the nucleus.
A chemist at a water treatment plant is analysing chlorine samples used to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine has atomic number 17. A chlorine atom has mass number 35 and forms a chloride ion (Cl⁻) by gaining one electron.