1 Atomic structure

AQA Chemistry Checklist

Atomic structure

Specification Checklist
reference questions

Can you explain that knowledge and understanding of atomic structure

3.1.1.1
has evolved over time?

Can you describe how protons, neutrons, and electrons have relative
3.1.1.1
charge and relative mass?

Can you describe that an atom consists of a nucleus, with protons and
3.1.1.1
neutrons that are surrounded by electrons?

3.1.1.2 Can you identify A as mass number and Z as atomic (proton) number?

Can you determine the number of fundamental particles in atoms and

3.1.1.2
ions using mass number, atomic number, and charge?

3.1.1.2 Can you explain the existence of isotopes?

Can you explain the principles of a simple time of flight (TOF) mass
3.1.1.2
spectrometer?

Can you explain that the mass spectrometer gives accurate information
3.1.1.2
about relative isotopic mass and the relative abundance of isotopes?

Can you describe how mass spectrometry can be used to identify

3.1.1.2
elements?

Can you describe how mass spectrometry can be used to determine

3.1.1.2
relative molecular mass?

3.1.1.2 Can you interpret simple mass spectra of elements?

3.1.1.2 Can you calculate relative atomic mass from isotopic abundance?

© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original 1
 1 Atomic structure
AQA Chemistry Checklist

Specification Checklist
reference questions

Can you describe electron configurations of atoms and ions up to Z = 36

3.1.1.3
in terms of shells and sub-shells (orbitals) s, p, and d?

3.1.1.3 Can you explain ionisation energies?

3.1.1.3 Can you define first ionisation energy?

Can you write equations for the first and successive ionisation energies
3.1.1.3
of atoms?

Can you explain how first and successive ionisation energies in Period 3
3.1.1.3 (Na–Ar) and in Group 2 (Be–Ba) give evidence for electron configuration
in sub-shells and in shells?

© Oxford University Press 2015 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original 2