STRUCTURE
Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter Structure
1.1—Introduction to the particulate nature of matter
Guiding question: How can we model the particulate nature of matter?
Structure 1.1.1
Elements are the primary constituents of matter, which cannot be chemically broken down into simpler
substances.
Compounds consist of atoms of different elements chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.
Mixtures contain more than one element or compound in no fixed ratio, which are not chemically bonded
and so can be separated by physical methods.
Structure 1.1.2
The kinetic molecular theory is a model to explain physical properties of matter (solids, liquids and gases)
and changes of state.
Structure 1.1.3
The temperature, T, in Kelvin (K) is a measure of average kinetic energy Ek of particles.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES D R R R
Distinguish between the properties of elements, compounds, mixtures.
Define and understand the following separation techniques:
Solvation, filtration, recrystallization, evaporation, distillation and paper
chromatography
The differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures should be
understood.
Distinguish the different states of matter.
Names of the changes of state should be covered: melting, freezing,
vaporization (evaporation and boiling), condensation, sublimation and
deposition.
Interpret observable changes in physical properties and temperature during
changes of state. Convert between values in the Celsius and Kelvin scales.
1.2. The Nuclear Atom
Guiding Question: How do the nuclei of atoms differ?
Structure 1.2.2
Atoms contain a positively charged, dense nucleus composed of protons and neutrons (nucleons).
Negatively charged electrons occupy the space outside the nucleus.
Structure 1.2.2
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES D R R R
State the position of protons, neutrons and electrons in the atom.
State the relative masses and relative charges of protons, neutrons and
electrons.
* The accepted values are:
proton neutron electron
relative mass 1 1 negligible
relative charge + 0 -
Define the terms mass number (A), atomic number (Z) and isotopes of an
element.
Deduce the symbol for an isotope given its mass number and atomic number.
A
*The following notation are to be used: Z X
Calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions from
the mass number, atomic number and charge.
Compare the properties of the isotopes of an element.
Discuss the uses of radioisotopes
*Examples include 14 ❑C
in radiocarbon dating, 60
❑Co
in radiotherapy, and 131
❑I
and 125
❑I
as medical tracers.
Calculate non-integer relative atomic masses and abundance of isotopes from
given data.
Structure 1.3—Electron configurations
Guiding question: How can we model the energy states of electrons in atoms?
Structure 1.3.1
Emission spectra are produced by atoms emitting photons when electrons in excited states return to
lower energy levels.
Structure 1.3.2
The line emission spectrum of hydrogen provides evidence for the existence of electrons in discrete
energy levels, which converge at higher energies.
Structure 1.3.3
The main energy level is given an integer number, n, and can hold a maximum of 2n2 electrons.
Structure 1.3.4
A more detailed model of the atom describes the division of the main energy level into s, p, d and f
sublevels of successively higher energies.
Structure 1.3.5
Each orbital has a defined energy state for a given electron configuration and chemical environment, and
can hold two electrons of opposite spin.
Sublevels contain a fixed number of orbitals, regions of space where there is a high probability of finding
an electron.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES D R R R
Describe the relationship between colour, wavelength, frequency and energy
across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Distinguish between a continuous spectrum and a line spectrum.
Describe the emission spectrum of the hydrogen atom, including the
relationships between the lines and energy transitions to the first, second and
third energy levels.
Recognize the shape of an s atomic orbital and the px, py and pz atomic
orbitals.
The line emission spectrum of hydrogen provides evidence for the existence of
electrons in discrete energy levels, which converge at higher energies.
Identify the maximum number of electrons in the main energy level or shell is
given an integer number, n as 2 n2.
Describe the model of the atom in terms of the main energy level into s, p, d
and f sub-levels of successively higher energies.
Define orbitals as regions of space where there is a high probability of finding
an electron.
Apply the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule and the Pauli exclusion principle to
write electron configurations for atoms and ions up to Z = 36.
* full electron configuration, condensed electron configurations , arrow-box
orbital diagrams
*The electron configurations of Cr and Cu as exceptions should be recognized.
