Atomic structure

Question 1

Copper is in period 4 of the periodic table.
State what information this gives about the number of shells that contain
electrons, in a copper atom.

Answer 1

Copper has 4 shells.

Question 2

Copper exists as isotopes.

Explain what is meant by the term isotopes.

Answer 2

atoms of the (same) element/
atoms with the same {number
of protons/atomic number}
(1)
 (but) different {numbers of
neutrons/mass numbers} (1)

Question 3

(b) Copper nitrate contains copper ions, Cu2+, and nitrate ions, NO3
−.
(i) Describe, in terms of electrons, how a copper atom, Cu, becomes a copper ion, Cu2+

Answer 3

loses two electrons.

Question 4

Write the formula for copper nitrate.

Answer 4

Cu(NO3)2

Question 5

Ca Cl K N ON
From the box, choose the symbol of
(i) an atom in group 2 of the periodic table
(i)an atom that readily forms an ion with a charge of 2–

Answer 5

Ca

O

Question 6

Compare a use of diamond with a use of graphite, explaining each use in terms of
the bonding and structure. In your answer you should use information from the
diagrams.
(6)

Answer 6

Diamond:
Uses and Properties
 in cutting tools/engraving
 drill bit
 jewellery
 diamond very hard/strong
 attractive/lustrous
 high melting point
Explanations
 giant molecular/covalent
 each carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms
 three dimensional structure
 to break it lots of bonds would need to be broken
 would need lot of energy/force
Graphite:
 Uses and Properties
 to make electrodes
 a lubricant
 sporting equipment
 in pencils/drawing
 graphite conducts electricity
 soft
Explanations
 giant molecular/covalent
 each carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms
 each carbon atom has a free electron
 delocalised electrons
 (delocalised) electrons move to carry current
 layers of carbon atoms
 weak forces/bonds between layers/sheets
 so layers/sheets can slide/rub off or over each other

Question 7

) Each element has an atomic number.

(i) State what is meant by atomic number.

Answer 7

Number of protons in nucleus.

Question 8

(ii) The atomic number of boron is 5.
Boron exists as two isotopes boron-10 and boron-11.
Use this information to explain why boron-10 and boron-11 are isotopes.

Answer 8

An explanation including
• (atoms of) both contain 5
/same number of
protons/same atomic number
(1)
• boron-10 atoms contain 5
neutrons but boron-11 atoms
contain 6 neutrons / different
numbers of neutrons/
different mass number (1)

Question 9

(c) (i) Explain what is meant by the term relative atomic mass.

Answer 9

An explanation including the
following
• M1 {average/mean} mass
(of atoms of an element) (1)
• M2 compared to {1/12 mass
carbon-12 (atom)/ (mass of)
carbon-12 (atom) taken as
12} (1)