Foundation Level (Fail → Pass)

Simple prompts to build basic understanding.

1. Explain what an atom is in your own words.

2. List the three subatomic particles and their charges.

3. Describe the structure of the nucleus.

4. What is the difference between protons and neutrons?

5. Draw a simple labeled diagram of an atom.

6. Define atomic number.

7. Define mass number.

8. Identify the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a given atom.

9. Explain what an isotope is with one example.

10. Why are electrons important in chemical reactions?

Intermediate Level (Pass → Credit)

Prompts requiring explanation and application.

1. Compare the masses of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

2. Explain how Rutherford’s gold foil experiment changed the model of the atom.

3. Describe the difference between isotopes of the same element.

4. Calculate the number of neutrons in atoms from given atomic and mass numbers.

5. Explain why isotopes have the same chemical properties.

6. Describe how electron arrangement affects chemical reactivity.

7. Explain the importance of atomic number in identifying elements.

8. Compare Dalton’s atomic theory with the modern atomic model.

9. Describe how ions form from atoms.

10. Explain how relative atomic mass is calculated using isotope abundances.

Advanced Level (Credit → Distinction)

High-level reasoning and extended prompts.

1. Analyse the limitations of Bohr’s atomic model.

2. Explain how quantum numbers describe electrons in atoms.

3. Derive the formula for relative atomic mass using isotope mass and abundance.

4. Discuss how mass spectrometry helps determine isotopic composition.

5. Evaluate the evidence supporting the existence of subatomic particles.

6. Compare Thomson’s, Rutherford’s, and Bohr’s atomic models in detail.

7. Explain why the nucleus is extremely dense despite its small size.

8. Discuss the role of isotopes in radiometric dating.

9. Predict how changes in neutron number affect atomic stability.

Explain how electron configuration influences periodic trends.