2.

1 The atom
Syllabus statements:
2.1.1 State the position of protons, neutrons and electrons in the atom
2.1.2 State the relative masses and relative charges of protons, neutrons and
electrons
2.1.3 Define the terms mass number (A), atomic number (Z) and isotopes of an
element
2.1.4 Deduce the symbol for an isotope given its mass number and atomic
number
2.1.5 Calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions
from the mass number, atomic number and charge
2.1.6 Compare the properties of the isotopes of an element
2.1.7 Discuss the uses of radioisotopes
2.1.3 Define terms mass number, atomic number and isotopes in an
element
Mass Number The number of protons + the number of neutrons in an atom
Atomic Number The number of protons in the nucleus
Isotope Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a
different number of neutrons

2.1.1 State the position of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons in the atom
Protons
Positively
charged 1+

Electro
ns

Electrons
Negatively
charged 1-

Proto
Neutr
ons

Neutrons

2.1.2 State the relative masses and relative charges of protons,

neutrons and electrons
Particle
Proton
Neutron
Electron

Relative Mass
1
1
0.0005

Relative Charge
+1
0
-1

2.1.3 Define Mass Number (A), Atomic Number (Z) and Isotopes of an
Element
On Cover Page
2.1.4 Deduce the symbol for an isotope given its mass number (A) and
atomic number (Z)

Eg: Aluminium

2.1.5 Calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms

and ions from the mass number, atomic number and charge
Protons = atomic number
Electrons = atomic number +/- charge
Eg: F- : 9 (atomic number) + 1 charge = 10 electrons (With charge, - is + and + is
-)

Neutrons = mass number atomic number2.1.6 Compare the properties of

the Isotopes of an Element
Isotopes Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a
different number of neutrons
Example 1: Comparing Chlorine Isotopes
Chlorine exists as 2 isotopes: Chlorine-35 (relative abundance 75%) and
chlorine-37 (relative abundance 25%)
Both isotopes have 17 protons and 17 electrons
Average relative mass 35.44
Total mass = (75 x 35) + (25 x 37) = 3550
RAM = 3550 / 100 = 35.5
Neutrons Chlorine-35 = 35 17 = 18
Neutrons Chlorine-37 = 37 17 = 20

Although both isotopes essentially have the same chemical properties, the
difference in mass does lead to different properties such as boiling and melting
points. However, isotopes move more slowly at a given temperature and these
differences can be used to separate isotopes.
2.1.7 Uses of Radio Isotopes
1. Isotopes of Barium are used in a barium meal. This is a liquid which a patient
drinks and gives a weak radiation which can be detected by imaging but does
not hurt the patient. It is used to see organs more clearly.
2. Radioactive seeds used to treat prostate cancer. Tiny seeds with a short halflife are injected into the prostate to destroy cancerous cells.