GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Atomic Nucleus and Shells

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Atomic structure and the periodic table A simple model of the atom, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotopes

Atomic Nucleus and Shells

3:30 Atomic Structure
Spec 4.1.1.4 4.1.1.5
Previous Development of the Later Atomic Models Next Protons, Electrons & Neutrons
  • Atoms are often depicted as circles or spheres.
  • Simple diagrams use circles to represent atoms.
  • Detailed diagrams reveal atoms are more complex.
  • Atoms are mostly empty space, not solid spheres.
  • Atoms have a tiny central region called the nucleus.
  • The nucleus is always at the center of the atom.
  • Electrons surround the nucleus in shells.
  • Atom diagrams resemble a solar system model.
  • The outer shell is crucial for chemistry.
  • Shells are three-dimensional but often drawn as 2D rings.
  • The nucleus radius is approximately 1 x 10^-14 meters.
  • The nucleus is extremely small compared to the atom.
  • The nucleus contains almost all the atom's mass.
  • The nucleus is very dense with mass concentrated in a small volume.
  • Electrons have little mass compared to the nucleus.
  • The atom is mostly empty space.
  • The nucleus makes up almost all the atom's mass.

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