Development of the atomic model
What Development of the atomic model means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Development of the atomic model
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Development of the atomic model in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The model of the atom changed as new evidence emerged, with the neutron added about 20 years after the nucleus became an accepted idea.
Bohr adapted the nuclear model by suggesting that electrons orbit the nucleus at specific distances.
Includes the plum pudding model, the nuclear model and later refinements such as electron shells.
Topics that use Development of the atomic model
- The development of the model of the atom (common content with chemistry) (AQA GCSE)
- The development of the model of the atom (common content with physics) (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Atomic structure
- Charge and repulsion
- electron
- indivisible
- neutral atom
- nuclear model
- plum pudding model
- proton
Using Development of the atomic model in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge