AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy | Chemistry | Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | Foundation Tier
AQA GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY
CHEMISTRY
Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Foundation Tier | Paper 1
THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES:
Complete Lecture Notes with Summary Tables
Worksheet Exercises + Full Answer Key
2023 and 2024 Past Paper Questions
Complete Mark Schemes
Created by: Sanjita Mumi
Name: _______________________________ Class: ____________ Date: __________
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 1
,AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy | Chemistry | Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | Foundation Tier
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. Topic Page
1 Learning Objectives 3
2 Structure of the Atom 3
3 Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes 4
4 Electronic Structure (Electron Shells) 5
5 Development of the Atomic Model 6
6 The Periodic Table — Structure and Organisation 7
7 Group 1 — Alkali Metals 8
8 Group 7 — Halogens 9
9 Group 0 — Noble Gases 10
10 Metals and Non-Metals 10
11 Worksheet Exercises 11
12 Worksheet Answer Key 12
13 2023 Past Paper Questions 13
14 2024 Past Paper Questions 14
15 Past Paper Mark Schemes 15
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 2
, AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy | Chemistry | Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | Foundation Tier
1 — Learning Objectives
[ ] Describe the structure of an atom — protons, neutrons, electrons
[ ] Define atomic number, mass number and calculate number of neutrons
[ ] Explain what isotopes are in terms of subatomic particles
[ ] Write electronic structures using shells and link to periodic table position
[ ] Describe how the model of the atom developed over time
[ ] Describe the organisation of the modern periodic table by atomic number
[ ] Describe properties and trends in Group 1 (alkali metals)
[ ] Describe properties and trends in Group 7 (halogens)
[ ] Describe properties of Group 0 (noble gases) and explain their lack of reactivity
[ ] Distinguish between metals and non-metals in the periodic table
2 — Structure of the Atom
Key Fact: All atoms have a tiny central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by
electrons in shells. The nucleus is about 10,000 times smaller than the atom — most of the atom is
empty space.
The Three Subatomic Particles:
Particle Location Relative Mass Relative Charge Symbol
Proton Nucleus 1 +1 p
Neutron Nucleus 1 0 n
Electron Shells around nucleus Negligible (1/1836) -1 e
Key Points:
• Atoms are electrically neutral — number of protons = number of electrons.
• The nucleus is positively charged (protons are positive; neutrons are neutral).
• Electrons occupy shells (energy levels) around the nucleus.
• Radius of an atom: approximately 1 x 10-10 m.
• Radius of the nucleus: approximately 1 x 10-14 m (10,000 times smaller).
• If an atom loses electrons it becomes a positive ion.
• If an atom gains electrons it becomes a negative ion.
EXAM TIP: Protons and neutrons are always in the NUCLEUS. Electrons are in SHELLS outside the nucleus. Never
put electrons in the nucleus!
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 3
AQA GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY
CHEMISTRY
Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Foundation Tier | Paper 1
THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES:
Complete Lecture Notes with Summary Tables
Worksheet Exercises + Full Answer Key
2023 and 2024 Past Paper Questions
Complete Mark Schemes
Created by: Sanjita Mumi
Name: _______________________________ Class: ____________ Date: __________
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 1
,AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy | Chemistry | Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | Foundation Tier
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. Topic Page
1 Learning Objectives 3
2 Structure of the Atom 3
3 Atomic Number, Mass Number and Isotopes 4
4 Electronic Structure (Electron Shells) 5
5 Development of the Atomic Model 6
6 The Periodic Table — Structure and Organisation 7
7 Group 1 — Alkali Metals 8
8 Group 7 — Halogens 9
9 Group 0 — Noble Gases 10
10 Metals and Non-Metals 10
11 Worksheet Exercises 11
12 Worksheet Answer Key 12
13 2023 Past Paper Questions 13
14 2024 Past Paper Questions 14
15 Past Paper Mark Schemes 15
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 2
, AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy | Chemistry | Topic 1: Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | Foundation Tier
1 — Learning Objectives
[ ] Describe the structure of an atom — protons, neutrons, electrons
[ ] Define atomic number, mass number and calculate number of neutrons
[ ] Explain what isotopes are in terms of subatomic particles
[ ] Write electronic structures using shells and link to periodic table position
[ ] Describe how the model of the atom developed over time
[ ] Describe the organisation of the modern periodic table by atomic number
[ ] Describe properties and trends in Group 1 (alkali metals)
[ ] Describe properties and trends in Group 7 (halogens)
[ ] Describe properties of Group 0 (noble gases) and explain their lack of reactivity
[ ] Distinguish between metals and non-metals in the periodic table
2 — Structure of the Atom
Key Fact: All atoms have a tiny central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by
electrons in shells. The nucleus is about 10,000 times smaller than the atom — most of the atom is
empty space.
The Three Subatomic Particles:
Particle Location Relative Mass Relative Charge Symbol
Proton Nucleus 1 +1 p
Neutron Nucleus 1 0 n
Electron Shells around nucleus Negligible (1/1836) -1 e
Key Points:
• Atoms are electrically neutral — number of protons = number of electrons.
• The nucleus is positively charged (protons are positive; neutrons are neutral).
• Electrons occupy shells (energy levels) around the nucleus.
• Radius of an atom: approximately 1 x 10-10 m.
• Radius of the nucleus: approximately 1 x 10-14 m (10,000 times smaller).
• If an atom loses electrons it becomes a positive ion.
• If an atom gains electrons it becomes a negative ion.
EXAM TIP: Protons and neutrons are always in the NUCLEUS. Electrons are in SHELLS outside the nucleus. Never
put electrons in the nucleus!
Created by Sanjita Mumi | For Educational Use Only Page 3
