Masterclass to prepare H2 students for Atomic Structure based on the 9729 H1 / H2 Chemistry syllabus for A levels.
After this course, you should be able to understand the quantum mechanical model for an atom, how to write electronic configuration, understand shells, subshells and orbitals, and be able to explain ionisation energy trends proficiently.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates should be able to:

(a)

identify and describe protons, neutrons and electrons in terms of their relative charges and relative masses

(b)

deduce the behaviour of beams of protons, neutrons and electrons in an electric field

(c)

describe the distribution of mass and charges within an atom

(d)

deduce the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons present in both atoms and ions given proton and nucleon numbers (and charge)

(e)

(i)

describe the contribution of protons and neutrons to atomic nuclei in terms of proton number and nucleon number

(ii)

distinguish between isotopes on the basis of different numbers of neutrons present

(f)

describe the number and relative energies of the s, p and d orbitals for the principal quantum numbers 1, 2 and 3 and also the 4s and 4p orbital

(g)

describe the shapes of s, p and d orbitals (see also Section 13) [knowledge of wave functions is not required]

(h)

state the electronic configuration of atoms and ions given the proton number (and charge)

(i)

explain the factors influencing the ionisation energies of elements (see the Data Booklet) (see also Section 5)

(j)

recognise variation in the electronic configurations across a Period and down a Group

(k)

describe and explain qualitatively the trends and variations in atomic radius, ionic radius, first ionisation energy and electronegativity:

(i)

across a Period in terms of shielding and nuclear charge

(ii)

down a Group in terms of increasing number of electronic shells and nuclear charge

(l)

deduce the electronic configurations of elements from successive ionisation energy data

(m)

interpret successive ionisation energy data of an element in terms of the position of that element within the Periodic Table