Term 1

In term 1, we started learning about the periodic table and also about the atomic structure of an atom. We learnt that the periodic table was arranged according to elements with an increasing proton number. The group number also shares a relationship the ionic charge of the elements in it. We also learnt that there are similarities between the elements in the same Group of the periodic table in terms of their electronic structure. Furthermore, there is a change from metallic to non-metallic character from left to right across a period of the periodic table.

We learnt about the relative charges and the approximate relative masses of protons, neutrons and electrons. We also learned about the structure of an atom containing protons and neutrons in the nucleus and the electrons which are arranged in shells. We are also taught how to define proton number and interpret symbols of elements. In addition, we learned about isotopes and are able to deduce the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions given proton and nucleon numbers.

We did a lot of enriching science practicals regarding the structure of an atom.