O Level Chemistry Atomic Structure
Atomic structure is a core topic in O level chemistry. Atoms are the basic units of matter, composed
of three subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons are located in
the nucleus, while electrons orbit in shells around the nucleus. Protons carry a positive charge (+1),
neutrons have no charge, and electrons carry a negative charge (−1). The number of protons in an
atom determines its atomic number and identifies the element. For example, hydrogen has one
proton, while carbon has six. The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the
nucleus. Electrons occupy energy levels or shells. The first shell holds up to 2 electrons, the second
holds up to 8, and so on. The arrangement of electrons is called the electronic configuration and
determines chemical properties. For instance, noble gases like helium and neon have full outer
shells, making them chemically unreactive. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different
numbers of neutrons. For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon. Isotopes may
be stable or radioactive, with applications in medicine and archaeology. The development of atomic
models has evolved over time. Dalton proposed atoms as indivisible spheres. Thomson discovered
electrons, leading to the “plum pudding” model. Rutherford’s gold foil experiment revealed a dense
nucleus. Bohr introduced energy levels, and modern quantum models further refined our
understanding. Atomic structure underpins all of chemistry, explaining bonding, reactions, and
properties of matter. It is a gateway concept for advanced studies in chemistry and science.
