Class 11 Chemistry - Structure of Atom Notes (Simplified)
1. Introduction to Atomic Structure
• Atom: The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an
element. Composed of subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons.
• Subatomic Particles:
• Proton (p⁺): Positively charged particle located in the nucleus of the
atom. Its relative mass is 1 amu (atomic mass unit).
• Neutron (n⁰): Neutral particle with no charge, also located in the
nucleus. Its relative mass is also 1 amu.
• Electron (e⁻): Negatively charged particle that revolves around the
nucleus in specific regions called orbitals. Its mass is negligible compared to
protons and neutrons (approximately 1/1836 of an amu).
2. Atomic Models
a. Thomson’s Model (Plum Pudding Model)
• Key Idea: J.J. Thomson proposed that an atom consists of a positively
charged sphere with negatively charged electrons embedded in it, similar to plums
in a pudding.
b. Rutherford’s Nuclear Model
• Key Idea: Ernest Rutherford, through his gold foil experiment,
suggested that an atom consists of a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at
the center, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. The atom is mostly empty
space.
c. Bohr’s Model
• Key Idea: Niels Bohr proposed that electrons revolve around the nucleus
in fixed orbits (energy levels) without losing energy. Electrons can jump from one
energy level to another by absorbing or emitting energy.
3. Quantum Mechanical Model of Atom
• Key Idea: This model, developed by Schrödinger, Heisenberg, and others,
describes electrons as existing in probabilistic regions called orbitals rather
than fixed orbits. It accounts for the wave-particle duality of electrons and
incorporates the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that the exact
position and momentum of an electron cannot be simultaneously determined.
• Key Concepts:
• Orbitals: Regions in space where the probability of finding an electron
is high. These are described by quantum numbers.
• Quantum Numbers: Set of four numbers (n, l, mₗ, mₛ) that describe the
unique quantum state of an electron in an atom:
• Principal Quantum Number (n): Defines the main energy level or shell.
• Azimuthal Quantum Number (l): Defines the shape of the orbital (s, p,
d, f).
• Magnetic Quantum Number (mₗ): Defines the orientation of the orbital in
space.
• Spin Quantum Number (mₛ): Defines the spin of the electron (either +½
or -½).
4. Important Laws and Principles
• Pauli Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have the
same set of four quantum numbers.
• Hund’s Rule: Every orbital in a subshell is singly occupied before any
orbital is doubly occupied.
• Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest
energy level to higher energy levels.
5. Electromagnetic Radiation and Atomic Spectra
• Electromagnetic Spectrum: Includes all forms of electromagnetic
radiation, such as visible light, X-rays, UV rays, etc. These radiations have
different wavelengths and frequencies but travel at the same speed in a vacuum
(speed of light, c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s).
• Bohr’s Explanation of Atomic Spectra: When electrons transition between
energy levels in an atom, they emit or absorb energy in the form of light. This
gives rise to line spectra, such as the hydrogen spectrum.
• Photoelectric Effect: Explained by Einstein, the phenomenon in which
light shining on a metal surface ejects electrons from the surface, demonstrating
the particle nature of light.
6. Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
• De Broglie’s Hypothesis: Matter, like light, exhibits both wave and
particle properties. The wavelength (λ) of a particle is inversely proportional to
its momentum (p).
\lambda = \frac{h}{mv}
where h is Planck’s constant and mv is the momentum of the particle.
7. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
• Key Idea: It is impossible to simultaneously determine both the
position and momentum of an electron with perfect accuracy. The more precisely one
is known, the less precise the other is.
