Atomic Structure

Course Description

Atomic Structure — Master the Foundations of IGCSE Chemistry

Build a strong understanding of atomic structure and master the concepts you need to confidently tackle IGCSE Chemistry questions.

In this unit, you will learn how protons, neutrons and electrons make up an atom, including their charges, relative masses and positions. You will master how to use atomic number and mass number to determine the composition of atoms and understand how these numbers identify an element.

You will also learn how electrons are arranged in shells and connect electron arrangement to the chemical behaviour of elements. The unit introduces isotopes, helping you understand why atoms of the same element can have different masses while retaining the same chemical identity.

Throughout the unit, you will move beyond memorising facts to applying your knowledge to IGCSE-style questions, interpreting atomic representations, identifying particles, calculating numbers of sub-atomic particles and avoiding common exam mistakes.

By the end of this unit, you should be able to confidently explain, interpret and apply “Atomic structure” concepts in your IGCSE Chemistry exams.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

• Describe the structure of an atom in terms of protons, neutrons, and electrons

• State the relative charges and relative masses of sub-atomic particles

• Define and use atomic number and mass number

• Write the electronic configuration of atoms and ions (first 20 elements)

• Explain the arrangement of electrons in shells around the nucleus

• Define isotopes and explain why they have similar chemical properties

• Apply atomic structure concepts to simple exam-style questions