🎯 Learning Objectives

WALT (We Are Learning To): Describe the structure of atoms and explain how isotopes differ from each other

Success Criteria:

I can identify the three subatomic particles and their properties

I can explain what isotopes are and how they differ

I can calculate relative atomic mass using isotope data

📊 Data Table: Subatomic Particles

1. Complete the table below using your knowledge of atomic structure:

Particle	Relative Mass	Relative Charge	Location in Atom
Proton	_______	_______	_______
_______	1	0	_______
Electron	_______	_______	_______

2. Which two particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Protons and electrons

Protons and neutrons

Neutrons and electrons

All three particles

🔬 Investigating Isotopes

3. Study the atomic notation below and answer the questions:

¹²C and ¹⁴C

a) What is the atomic number of carbon? __________

b) How many protons does each isotope have? __________

c) How many neutrons does ¹²C have? __________

d) How many neutrons does ¹⁴C have? __________

4. Complete the definition:

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of __________ but different numbers of __________.

5. POGIL Investigation: Chlorine has two main isotopes: ³⁵Cl (75% abundance) and ³⁷Cl (25% abundance).

a) Why do both isotopes have the same chemical properties?

b) Calculate the relative atomic mass of chlorine. Show your working:

c) Extension (Higher Tier): A sample of boron contains 20% ¹⁰B (mass = 10.0) and 80% ¹¹B (mass = 11.0). Calculate the relative atomic mass to 3 significant figures.

🎨 Atomic Models & Analysis

6. Draw and label a diagram of a lithium atom (Li, atomic number 3, mass number 7) in the box below. Include electron shells.

7. Differentiation Support: Match each term to its correct definition by drawing lines:

Atomic number

Mass number

Isotope

Ion

Atoms with different numbers of neutrons

Number of protons in an atom

Charged particle formed when electrons are gained or lost

Total number of protons and neutrons

8. Reflection: Explain why the relative atomic mass of most elements is not a whole number.

Atomic Structure Exploration Worksheet

Atomic Structure Exploration Worksheet

🎯 Learning Objectives

📊 Data Table: Subatomic Particles

🔬 Investigating Isotopes

🎨 Atomic Models & Analysis

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