IB Physics Structure of the atom (SL)

Front

What is the structure of an atom?

Back

An atom consists of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbitals.

Front

What did Ernest Rutherford discover about the atom?

Back

Rutherford discovered that atoms are mostly empty space, with a dense nucleus at the center.

Front

What is an emission spectrum?

Back

An emission spectrum is a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source, showing the wavelengths of light emitted by atoms.

Front

What is an absorption spectrum?

Back

An absorption spectrum is a spectrum that shows the wavelengths of light absorbed by a substance, indicating the energy levels of electrons.

Front

What happens when an electron absorbs a photon of the wrong color?

Back

The electron stays in the same energy level and does not transition to a higher energy level.

Front

What is the significance of alpha particle scattering experiments?

Back

Alpha particle scattering experiments led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus and its positive charge.

Front

What is the role of electrons in an atom?

Back

Electrons are negatively charged particles that occupy energy levels around the nucleus and are involved in chemical bonding.

Front

Define 'ionization energy'.

Back

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion.

Front

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion, while an anion is a negatively charged ion.

Front

What is the quantum model of the atom?

Back

The quantum model describes electrons as existing in probabilistic orbitals rather than fixed paths.