5 x 1 hour lessons

This module introduces the fundamental ideas of atomic theory and the structure of the atom. You’ll examine the subatomic particles — protons, neutrons, and electrons — and how their arrangement determines the properties of atoms and ions. We’ll explore isotopes and their impact on chemical and physical properties, and then move into a detailed study of electron configurations, quantum shells, and orbitals. The final part of the module focuses on ionisation energy: its definition, trends across the Periodic Table, and how successive ionisation energies reveal electronic structure. By the end of this module you will be able to:

• describe the structure of the atom, including the distribution of mass and charge

• distinguish between protons, neutrons, and electrons in terms of relative charge and mass

• define and explain isotopes and their chemical/physical properties

• write and interpret electronic configurations using full, shorthand, and box notation

• sketch the shapes of s and p orbitals

• define ionisation energy and construct equations for successive ionisation energies

• explain and predict trends in ionisation energies across periods and down groups

• use ionisation energy data to deduce electronic configuration and position in the Periodic Table

CIE Syllabus Points (9701):

• 1.1 Particles in the atom and atomic radius

• 1.2 Isotopes

• 1.3 Electrons, energy levels and atomic orbitals

• 1.4 Ionisation energy