Atoms & Elements
The smallest unit of an element, represented by a symbol.
Atom
The elements in this are organised by their atomic number.
The Periodic table
This part is at the centre of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Nucleus
This Russian scientist is known for organising the first widely accepted Periodic Table.
Dmitri Mendeleev
Natural radioactivity is caused by this process occurring in unstable atomic nuclei.
Decay
The subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom.
Protons and neutrons
Elements in the same vertical group (column) of the Periodic Table usually share these.
Similar properties
Electrons are found in these around the nucleus.
Give one example where logical reasoning helped scientists predict properties of unknown elements.
Mendeleev left gaps for undiscovered elements and predicted their properties.
When radioactive nuclei decay, they release these (name one).
Particles (alpha or beta), energy (gamma)
The number of this particle determines the type of element an atom forms
Proton
Give the symbol for the element with atomic number 1.
Hydrogen
The atomic number of an element tells you the number of these in an atom.
Protons
Name one discovery that showed the atom was mostly empty space, changing earlier atomic models.
Rutherford’s gold foil experiment
Give one medical use for nuclear energy.
radiation therapy
All matter is made of atoms. Name the three basic particles that make up an atom
Protons, neutrons and electrons
How do sodium (Na) and potassium (K)’s positions in the Periodic Table help predict their reactivity?
They are both alkali metals in the same group, so they are very reactive.
How do electrons and neutrons differ in mass and charge?
Electrons have a much smaller mass and a negative charge, neutrons have about the same mass as protons and no charge.
Briefly outline why models and theories in science are often contested and refined.
Because new evidence and experiments can reveal limitations and inaccuracies in older models.
Describe one problem with the use of nuclear energy in industry.
radioactive waste disposal or risk of contamination
Identify one way atoms of oxygen and carbon differ from each other.
Diffternt numbers of protons/neutrons/electrons
Using the Periodic Table, predict if Neon is a reactive or non-reactive element and explain why.
Non-reactive, it is an nobel gas
Explain how scientists have refined the model of the atom over time
By proposing and testing new theories (e.g., Thomson’s, Rutherford’s, Bohr’s models) with new evidence and reviewing by the scientific community.
Describe how creativity contributed to the development of the modern Periodic Table.
Scientists creatively organised elements by patterns in properties and atomic weights, leading to predictions and discoveries.
outline both a major benefit and a major problem associated with using nuclear energy.
Benefit: Effective cancer treatment; Problem: Long-term management of radioactive waste and potential health/environment risks.