Cambridge IGCSE Physics5.1 The nuclear model of the atom Checklist

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What's on this checklist

Core

I can describe the structure of an atom as a positively charged nucleus with negatively charged electrons in orbit around it.
I know how atoms can form positive ions by losing electrons, or negative ions by gaining electrons.
I can describe what the nucleus is made of in terms of protons and neutrons.
I can state that the relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons are +1, 0 and –1.
I can define the terms proton number (atomic number) Z and nucleon number (mass number) A, and calculate the number of neutrons in a nucleus.
I can use nuclide notation: the symbol X, with the nucleon number A at the top left and the proton number Z at the bottom left.
I can explain what is meant by an isotope, and state that an element may have more than one isotope.

I can describe how the scattering of alpha (α) particles by a thin sheet of metal supports the nuclear model of the atom, by giving evidence for:a)a very small nucleus surrounded by mostly empty spaceb)a nucleus that contains most of the mass of the atomc)a nucleus that is positively charged
I can describe nuclear fission and nuclear fusion as the splitting or joining of nuclei, including the nuclide equation and a qualitative description of the mass and energy changes, without values.
I know how the proton number is related to the relative charge on a nucleus.
I know how the nucleon number is related to the relative mass of a nucleus.