GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Electrons

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Atomic structure Atoms and isotopes

Electrons

2:25 Atomic Structure
Spec 4.4.1.1
Previous The Nucleus Next Atomic Number
  • Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.
  • Electrons have a negative charge equal and opposite to protons, specifically minus 1.6 times 10 to the minus 19 kloss.
  • Electrons are very small compared to protons and neutrons, with an electron being 1/1000th the mass of protons or neutrons.
  • Most of the atom's mass is in the nucleus.
  • Electrons travel in set orbits called shells, which are at set distances from the atom.
  • The number of electrons in each orbit depends on the energy of the electrons.
  • The distance between the nucleus and the first shell is about 10 to the minus 10 meters, but this is not required knowledge for exams.
  • The distance between successive shells is not constant.
  • Electrons can change shells by absorbing or emitting electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and infrared.
  • Electrons move up a shell by gaining energy from radiation, with the energy gained needing to be exactly the amount required to bridge the gap between energy levels.
  • Electrons can drop down a shell by releasing excess energy as radiation when there is room in a lower shell.

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