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The atom

Explain the composition of an atom, highlighting the presence of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons that orbit around it.

3

Objectives

30

Flashcards

21

Questions

90 min

Study time

CambridgeIGCSEPhysicsNuclear physics

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The atom outcomes3 objectives
  • Explain the composition of an atom, highlighting the presence of a positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons that orbit around it.
  • Understand that atoms can become positive ions by losing electrons or negative ions by gaining electrons.
  • Illustrate how the scattering of alpha particles by a thin metal sheet provides evidence for the nuclear model of the atom, demonstrating that: (a) the nucleus is very small and surrounded by mostly empty space, (b) the nucleus contains the majority of the atom's mass, and (c) the nucleus has a positive charge.

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