CHAPTER#2 STRUCTURE OF ATOMS

INTRODUCTION
1. The structure of atom refers to how the sub-atomic particles are arranged.
a. An atom is electrically neutral. Why?
b. Can you identify an atom without knowing number of neutron in it? (Exercise)
c. Where do electrons, protons and neutrons reside within an atom.
Ans(a): As the number of electrons, containing negative charge, in an atom is equal to the number of
protons, containing positive charge, thererfore, the net charge on an isolated atom is zero. So an atom is
electrically is electrically neutral.
Ans(b): Yes. As the number of protons in an atom shows its atomic number. With the help of atomic
number an atom can be identified. Lets an atom has six protons it. So, its atomic number is six which is the
atomic number of carbon.
Ans(c): Neutrons and protons reside within the nucleus an atom while electrons orbits around the nucleus in
definite orbitals.

THERIES AND EXPERIMENTS RELATED TO ATOMIC STRUCTURE

RUTHERFORD’S ATOMIC MODEL AND DISCOVERY OF NUCLEUS
2. Describe the contribution that Rutherford made to understand to the development of the
atomic theory.(Exercise) OR How did Rutherford’s model of an atom first of all proved
the existence of nucleus in an atom?
Ans: Rutherford’s Experiment:
Rutherford bombarded a very thin golf foil about 0.0004cm thickness and many other elements with alpha
particles obtained from the disintegration of polonium. Most of these particles passed straight through the
foil. Only few particles were slightly deflected. But one in 1 million deflected through an angle greater than
900 from their straight paths.

Fig. (a): Rutherford gold foil experiment Fig. (b):Positively charged nucleus with empty space around it
Rutherford drew following conclusions:
1. Since majority of the alpha particles passed through the foil undeflected, most of the space occupied
by an atom must be empty.
2. The deflection of a few alpha particles through angles greater than 900 show that these particles are
deflected by electrostatic repulsion between positively charged alpha particles and positively charged
part of atom (nucleus).
3. Massive alpha particles are not deflected by electrons
Rutherford’s atomic model:
On the basis of conclusions drawn from these experiments, Rutherfod proposed planatery model of an
atom(similar to the solar system) for an atom. At the centre of the atom is positively charged nucleus and
this has much larger mass than all the rest of the atom just like sun. Most of the atom is empty and electrons
are revolving around the nucleus in circles just as the most of the solar system is empty only a few planets
here and there revolving around sun.

3. The existence of nucleus in an atom was first confirmed by Rutherford.

a. α-particles were used by Rutherford in his experiment. What are α-particles and what was
the source of these particles?
b. What are the defects of Rutherford’s atomic model?
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Ans(a): The source of α-particles used in Rutherford experiment was Polonium. He used α-particles
obtained from disintegration of polonium. α-particles are the helium nuclei that are doubly positively
charged(He++).
Ans(b): Defects of Rutherford’s atomic model:
i) According to Maxwell theory, a revolving electron around the nucleus under the influence of an attractive
force must radiate energy continuously if it does it will decrease it energy. It will move closer and closer to
the nucleus following a spiral path and falls into the nucleus but it does not happen.
ii) Rutherford’s atomic model also suggests that there would be a continuous spectrum due to the continuous
emission of energy but instead a line spectrum is formed.

4. What were the results drawn by the Rutherford from the following observations on the
scattering of α-particles?
a. Most of the α-particles passed straight through the foil without suffering any deflection.
b. The number of α-particles which suffered deflections through wide angles is very small.
c. Only a few α-particles suffered deflections by 900 or even larger angles.
Ans(a): The result drawn by the mentioned observation is that “Most of the space inside the atom is
hollow”.
Ans(b): The result drawn by the mentioned observation is that “The central part of the atom is positively
charged”.
Ans(c): The result drawn by the mentioned observation is that “Volume occupied by the nucleus is very
small as compared to the total volume of the atom”.

5. Rutherford had following conclusions from his experiment. Mention those observations which
made him to draw these conclusions:
a. Most of the space inside the atom is hollow.
b. The central part of the atom is positively charged.
c. Volume occupied by the nucleus is very small as compared to the total volume of the atom.
Ans(a): Observations which made him to draw this conclusion was that “Most of the α-particles passed
straight through the foil without suffering any deflection”.
Ans(b): Observations which made him to draw this conclusion was that “The number of α-particles which
suffered deflections through wide angles is very small”.
Ans(c): Observations which made him to draw this conclusion was that “Only a few α-particles suffered
deflections by 900 or even larger angles”.

6. Rutherford proposed the first atomic model of an atom.

a) Describe the Rutherford’s model of an atom proposed on the basis of Rutherford’s
experiment. OR What are the similarities between Rutherford’s picture of an atom
and solar system?
b) Why the electron goes on revolving around the nucleus and not fall in the nucleus
according to Rutherford’s idea?
Ans(a): Rutherford proposed planetary model of an atom(similar to the solar system) for an atom. At the
centre of the atom is positively charged nucleus and this has much larger mass than all the rest of the atom
just like sun. Most of the atom is empty and electrons are revolving around the nucleus in circles just as the
most of the solar system is empty only a few planets here and there revolving around sun.
Ans(b): According to Rutherford’s the centripetal force due to revolution of electron is balanced by the
electrostatic force of attraction between the nucleus and electrons. Therefore, the electron goes on revolving
around the nucleus and not fall in the nucleus according to Rutherford’s idea.

BOHR’S ATOMIC THEORY

7. The behavior of the revolving electron was well explained by the Bohr by modifying the
Rutherford’s atomic model.
a. How did Bohr modify the Rutherford’s atomic model? OR How Bohr leaped over
the difficulty Rutherford’s atomic model?
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 b. Describe main postulates of Bohr’s atomic theory. In what ways Bohr’s atomic model of an
atom is better than Rutherford’s atomic model? OR Explain Bohr’s atomic model.
In what way is that better than Rutherford’s atomic model? What do you understand by
the term proton number and nucleon number? (2011 A SA, 2012 A SA)
Ans(a): Bohr leaped over the difficulty of Rutherford’s atomic model by using Quantum theory of Radiation
that was proposed by Max Plank.
Ans(b): Bohr’s Atomic Theory:
In 1913 Neil Bohr, proposed a model for an atom that was consistent with Rutherford’s model. But it also
explains the observed line spectrum of hydrogen atom.
Main postulates of Bohr’s atomic theory:
Main postulates of Bohr’s atomic theory are as follows:
1. The electron is an atom that atom revolves around the nucleus in one of the circular orbits. Each orbit
has a fixed energy, so each orbit is also called energy level.
2. The energy of an electron in an orbit is proportional to its distance from the nucleus. The farther the
electron is from the nucleus, the more energy it has.
3. The electron revolves only in those orbits for which the angular momentum of the electron is integral
multiple of h/2π where h is plank’s constant ( its value is 6.626x1o-34J.s)
mvr = nh/2π
4. Light is observed when an electron jumps to a higher energy orbit and emitted when an electron falls
into a lower energy orbit. Electron present in a particular orbit does not radiate energy.
5. The energy of light emitted is exactly equal to the difference between the energies of the orbits.
ΔE = E2 – E1
Where ΔE is the energy difference between any two orbits with energies E1 and E2.
Bohr’s atomic model and Rutherford’s atomic model:
Bohr’s atomic model of an atom is better than Rutherford’s atomic model as
i. Bohr’s atomic theory nicely explains the stability of an atom which was not eplained by Rutherford’s
atomic model.
ii. Bohr’s atomic theory also explains why an atom gives line spectrum which was continuous spectrum
according to Rutherford’s atomic model.

8. Bohr’s postulated electron in an atom revolves around the nucleus in a fixed energy orbits
called energy levels.
a. Why the energy of electron is emitted when it jumps from higher energy orbit to lower
energy orbit?
b. Why the energy of electron is absorbed when it jumps from lower energy orbit to higher
energy orbit?
Ans(a): Each orbit has definite energy. The higher orbits possess the higher energy while the lower orbits
have lower energy. When an electron jumps from higher energy orbit to lower energy orbit, it emits energy
in the form of radiation to adjust itself in the lower energy orbits.
Ans(b): Each orbit has definite energy. The higher orbits possess the higher energy while the lower orbits
have lower energy. When an electron jumps from lower energy orbit to higher energy orbit, it absorbs
energy in the form of radiation to adjust itself in the lower energy orbits.

9. Why the electron goes on revolving around the nucleus according to Bohr’s idea?
Ans: According to the Bohr’s model, as long as the electron remains in a particular orbit it neither gains nor
losses the energy. The gradual decrease in the energy is not possible. The centrifugal force acing on the
moving electrons is balanced by attractive force of attraction between the nucleus and the electrons.
Consequently, the electron goes on revolving around the nucleus.

10. In 1913 Neil Bohr, proposed a model for an atom that was consistent with Rutherford’s model.
a. Describe the main postulates of Bohr’s atomic theory.
b. Explain how Bohr’s atomic theory differed from Rutherford’s atomic theory? (Exercise)
Ans(b): Bohr’s atomic model of an atom is better and differed than Rutherford’s atomic model as follows

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 i. Rutherford proposed that electron revolves around the nucleus in circles and could not explain the
stability of an atom as revolving electrons emit energy continuously. Bohr’s leaped over this
difficulty by postulating that electron moves around the nucleus in definte energy orbits and not emit
energy continuously.
ii. If revolving electron emits energy continuously it should form a continuous spectrum for an atom
according to Rutherfordd’s atomic theory but a line spectrum is obtained by an atom. Bohr explained
that energy is only emitted or absorbed when an electron jumps from one energy level to another
energy level. Thus Bohr explain why an atom gives line spectrum.

11. How experimental results of some scientists help chemist to formulate mew theories and new
explanation. (Exercise)
Ans: Experimental results of some scientists are discussed and tested by other scientists which help to
improve the previous results and theories. This leads to formulate new theories and new explanations on the
basis of previous theories.
Explanation:
As in the year 1898 Thomson created the idea of atom as the positive charged ball in which there are
negative charges placed - the "plum cake" model or “plum pudding” model.
In the years 1909-1911 Ernest Rutheford was the first scientist who proposed the first atomic model on
an atom. He suggested that all of the positively charged and most of the mass of an atom is concentrated in
the nucleus. The remaining volume of an atom is occupied by electrons that revolve around the nucleus in
circles called orbits. These suggestions remained unchallenged. But his model could not explain the stability
of an atom and line spectrum for an atom.
Later on, in 1913 Neil Bohr leaped over difficulty of Rutherford’s atomic model by using Quantum
Theory of Radiation that was proposed by Max Plank. Bohr proposed that an electron moves around the
nucleus in well-defined circular paths called orbits having fixed energy. Bohr’s atomic theory explains
nicely the stability of an atom and also explains why an atom gives line spectrum.
Development of Bohr’s atomic model explains how interpretation of experimental results of other
scientists help chemists to formulate new explanations and new theories.

12. How testing prevailing theories bring about changes in them? (Exercise)
Ans: Prevailing theories of some scientists are discussed and tested by existing scientists which help to
improve the previous results and theories. This leads to bring about changes in these theories and to give
new explanations on the basis of prevailing theories.
Explanation:
As in the year 1898 Thomson created the idea of atom as the positive charged ball in which there are
negative charges placed - the "plum cake" model.
In the years 1909-1911 Ernest Rutheford was the first scientist who proposed the first atomic model on
an atom. He suggested that all of the positively charged and most of the mass of an atom is concentrated in
the nucleus. The remaining volume of an atom is occupied by electrons that revolve around the nucleus in
circles called orbits. These suggestions remained unchallenged. But his model could not explain the stability
of an atom and line spectrum for an atom.
Later on, in 1913 Neil Bohr leaped over difficulty of Rutherford’s atomic model by using Quantum
Theory of Radiation that was proposed by Max Plank. Bohr proposed that an electron moves around the
nucleus in well-defined circular paths called orbits having fixed energy. Bohr’s atomic theory explains
nicely the stability of an atom and also explains why an atom gives line spectrum.
Development of Bohr’s atomic model explains how testing and interpretation of experimental results of
prevailing theories other scientists help chemists to bring about changes in them.

ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION
13. All the electrons present in the atom of an element can be allocated in different shells.
a. Define a shell and a sub-shell. OR Distinguish between shell and sub-shell. (Exercise)
b. Why 2s sub shell is of higher in energy than 1s?

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Ans(a): According to Bohr’s model, electrons revolved around the nucleus in fixed energy level called
shells. Shells are represented as K, L, M, N, O, etc.
Each shell is sub divided into one or more subshells. They are represented as s, p, d and f. For Example, K
shell contains only one subshell s, L shell contain two subshells s and p.
Ans(b): The energy of the second shell is higher than the energy of the first shell. 2s subshell belong to
second shell whereas 1s subshell belongs to the first shell. So, 2s subshell is of higher in energy than 1s.
14. Which orbital in each of the following pair is lower in energy?
a. 2s, 2p b. 3p, 2p c. 3s, 4s
Ans(a): 2s
Ans(b): 2p
Ans(c): 3s
15. “n” value is placed before the symbol for a sub-shell.
a. How many sub-shells are there in N shell.
b. Give notation for sub-shells of M shell.
c. List the sub-shells of M shell in order of increasing energy. (Exercise)
Ans(a): For N shell n=4, so N shell has four sub-shells called 4s, 4p, 4d and 4f.
Ans(a): For M shell n=3, so M shell has three sub-shells having 3s, 3p and 3d notations.
Ans(a): The sub-shells of M shell in order of increasing energy can be given as.
3s ˂ 3p ˂ 3d

ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION OF 1ST 20 ELEMENT

1H : 1s1
2He : 1s2
3Li : 1s2 2s1
4Be : 1s2 2s2
5B : 1s2 2s2 2p1
6C : 1s2 2s2 2p2
7N : 1s2 2s2 2p3
8O : 1s2 2s2 2p4
9F : 1s2 2s2 2p5
10N : 1s2 2s2 2p6
11Na : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
2 2 6 2
12Mg : 1s 2s 2p 3s
13Al : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p1
14Si : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2
15P : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3
16S : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
17Cl : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
18Ar : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6
19K : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1
20Ca : 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2

Questions related to electronic configuration may be:

i. Write the electronic configuration for the following elements.
a. 28 24 27 40 (Exercise)
14Si b. 12Mg c. 13Al d. 18Cl
ii. Write electronic configuration of 35 27
17Cl and 13Al. (2009 A SA)
iii. Write down the electronic configuration of Oxygen 8O Nitrogen 7N14 and Chlorine 17Cl35.
16

(2011 A SA)
iv. Write down the electronic configuration of Oxygen, Nitrogen and Chlorine. (Atomic Nos. are 8,
7 and 17 respectively) (2011 S SA)
v. All the electrons present in the atom of an element can be allocated in different shells.
a. Write down Auf Bau principle.
b. Write the electronic configuration of the following. 31 18
15P 9F (2009 A SA)
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Ans(a): According to Auf Bau principle, electrons fill the lowest energy sub-shells that is available first.
This means electron will first fill the 1s, then 2s , then 2p and so on.
vi. Write the electronic configuration for the following isotopes.
(a) 12 35 37 (Self Assessment Exercise)
6C (b) 17Cl (c) 17Cl
vii. Write the complete electronic configuration for the following elements.
Al (atomic number 13) Si (atomic number 14) P (atomic number 15)
S (atomic number 16) Cl (atomic number 17) Ar (atomic number 18)

16. The electronic configuration listed is incorrect. Explain what mistake has been made in each
and write correct electronic configuration.
x= 1s22s22p43p2 y= 1s22s12p1 z= 1s22s22p53s1 (Exercise)
2 2 6
Ans: Correct electronic configuration: x= 1s 2s 2p y= 1s22s2 z= 1s22s22p6

17. Bohr’s model first time explain the distribution of electrons among different energy levels.
i. Draw Bohr’s model for the following electrons indicating the location for electrons,
protons and neutrons.
(a) Carbon (Atomic No. 6, Mass No. 12) (b) Chlorine (Atomic No. 17, Mass
No. 35)

ii. Draw Bohr’s model for the following electrons indicating the location for electrons,
protons and neutrons.
(a) Patassium (Atomic No. 19, Mass No. 39) (b) Silicon (Atomic No. 14, Mass
No. 28)
(b) Argon (Atomic No.18, Mass No.39) (Exercise)

18. Draw the diagrams for distribution of electrons is n = 1, n = 2 and n = 3 shells for 11Na, 17Cl
and 20Ca.
19. Distribute the electrons in orbits of 7N, 15P, 20Ca. Draw their diagrams.
20. Sketch the diagram for various shells and the number of electrons in them for 13Al, 18Ar and
10Ne.
21. Remember that according to the 2n2 formula, the maximum number of electrons in the shells
is: first shell, 2; second shell, 8; third shell, 18.
a. Draw the electronic structures of Group-I elements 3Li, 11Na and 19K.What do they all have
in common.
b. Draw the electronic structures of Group-17 elements 9F and 17Cl.What do they all have in
common.
c. Draw the electronic structures of Group-18 elements 2He, 10Ne and 18Ar.What do they all
have in common.
22. The atomic number of an element is 23 and its mass number is 56.
a. How many protons and electrons does an atom of this element have?
b. How many neutrons does this atom have? (Exercise)
23. The atomic symbol of Aluminum is written as 27Al. What information do you get from it?
(Exercise)