01. Atoms and Isotopes

Outcomes:

> Describe the basic structure of an atom

> Recall the main parts of an atom and their relative properties

> Recall what the overall charge is of an atom

> Describe how ions can be formed

> Explain what an isotope is

> Explain the difference between Atomic Number and Mass Number

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Why is it important to learn about and understand the importance of radiation and radioactivity?

Activity: Ernest Rutherford and the changing understanding of the atom.

Watch this short video about Ernest Rutherford's famous Gold Foil experiment. After the video answer the questions.

Questions:

• 1. The first model of the atom mentioned in the video is J.J. Thompson's 'Plum pudding' model. Search for and then draw and label a diagram of this atom, include the date it was 'discovered'.

  2. Make a copy of the version of the atom that Rutherford's experiment first suggested. Again, label this with the different parts and put a date for the year it was discovered.

  3. The video then explains that our current model of the atom looks different to this. Draw and label this model of the atom.

  4. At the end of the video, James Chadwick's discovery of the neutron is mentioned. Why was the neutron the last nucleon to be discovered?

  5. Create a table that shows the relative mass and charge of the three subatomic particles.

Activity: Colour and complete the Isotopes and Relative Atomic Mass doodle notes to recap and summarise what we have already learnt about atoms and isotopes.

Activity: Work your way through this presentation about Isotopes and Relative Atomic Mass. Complete each activity as you come across it. When you are finished you can complete the sheet to complete show what you have learnt.

Extension: Complete the isotopes worksheet

Next Lesson: 02. Uses of isotopes