5 x 1 hour lessons

This module revises the structure of atoms, the properties of subatomic particles, isotopes and relative atomic mass, and how electrons are arranged in atoms and ions. You’ll explore how ionisation energy provides evidence for shell structure and examine the historical development of atomic models. You’ll also learn how to interpret mass spectra and relate periodic trends to electronic structure.

By the end of this module you will be able to: • explain the difference between protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of relative mass and charge • determine the number of fundamental particles in atoms and ions using mass number, atomic number and charge • explain the existence of isotopes and calculate relative atomic mass from isotopic abundances • analyse and interpret mass spectra, including predicting spectra for diatomic molecules like chlorine • define and explain the trends in first and successive ionisation energies across a period and down a group • use ionisation data to deduce electronic configuration and group number • describe the structure of electron shells, sub-shells and orbitals, and draw electron configuration diagrams • understand periodicity in melting point, ionisation energy and other properties across Periods 2 and 3

Edexcel Specification Points: Topic 1 – Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table