Lesson 4.4.1.1

4.4.1.1 The structure of an atom Quiz: AQA Physics, Unit 4

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 4.4.1.1, The structure of an atom: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA GCSE Physics (8463), Unit 4: Atomic structure, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Approximately what is the radius of an atom?

    • 1 × 10⁻² m
    • 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m
    • 1 × 10⁻¹⁵ m
    • 1 × 10⁻⁵ m

  2. What is the approximate ratio of a nucleus radius to its atom radius?

    • 1/1 000
    • 1/100
    • 1/1 000 000
    • 1/10 000

  3. Which particles make up the nucleus of an atom?

    • Protons and neutrons
    • Electrons only
    • Electrons and neutrons
    • Protons and electrons

  4. Where is almost all of the mass of an atom concentrated?

    • Electron shells
    • Energy levels
    • Electrons
    • Nucleus

  5. What are the regions where electrons are arranged at different distances from the nucleus?

    • Proton shells
    • Nucleons
    • Energy levels
    • Isotopes

  6. What movement occurs when an electron absorbs electromagnetic radiation?

    • Moves closer to nucleus
    • Stays in same orbit
    • Moves to higher level
    • Leaves the atom entirely

  7. What movement occurs when an electron emits electromagnetic radiation?

    • Joins the nucleus
    • Moves to higher level
    • Absorbs extra protons
    • Moves closer to nucleus

  8. What is the overall electrical charge of a neutral atom?

    • Positive one
    • Positive two
    • Negative one
    • Zero

  9. Which particle in an atom carries a negative charge?

    • Proton
    • Neutron
    • Nucleus
    • Electron

  10. What is the overall electrical charge of an atomic nucleus?

    • Negative
    • Neutral
    • Positive
    • Variable

  11. Using a typical atomic radius of 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m, the radius of the nucleus is at most about:

    • 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m
    • 1 × 10⁻¹⁴ m
    • 1 × 10⁻¹² m
    • 1 × 10⁻⁵ m

  12. Which decimal is equal to 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m?

    • 0.000000001 m
    • 0.00000000001 m
    • 0.0000000001 m
    • 0.00001 m

  13. What causes electron arrangements in an atom to change?

    • Colliding with air molecules
    • Gaining or losing neutrons
    • Absorbing or emitting radiation
    • Changing nuclear mass

  14. Which process causes an electron to move to a higher energy level?

    • Absorption
    • Ionisation
    • Emission
    • Decay

  15. Which phrase best describes the nucleus of an atom?

    • Large and positive
    • Small and positive
    • Large and neutral
    • Spread and negative

  16. What are the components found inside the nucleus of a neutral atom?

    • Electrons and neutrons
    • Electrons only
    • Protons and electrons
    • Protons and neutrons

  17. An atom has 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons. What is its overall charge?

    • −6
    • +12
    • Zero
    • +6

  18. The radius of an atom is 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m and the radius of its nucleus is 1 × 10⁻¹⁴ m. What fraction of the atom's radius is the nucleus?

    • 1 / 1 000 000
    • 1 / 10
    • 1 / 10 000
    • 1 / 100

  19. Why is most of the mass of an atom concentrated in its nucleus?

    • Electrons only
    • Protons and neutrons
    • Neutrons and electrons
    • Electrons and protons

  20. What is the approximate radius of a typical atom?

    • 1 × 10^-15 metres
    • 1 × 10^-10 metres
    • 1 × 10^-12 metres
    • 1 × 10^-8 metres

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