What is the structure of an atom, including the charges of its parts?
A small, positively charged nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged electrons in orbits around it.
Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) · 5.1.1
Revise Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Physics 0972 (Extended) (2026–2028) specification point 5.1.1, The atom, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What is the structure of an atom, including the charges of its parts?
A small, positively charged nucleus is surrounded by negatively charged electrons in orbits around it.
Why is an atom electrically neutral?
The nucleus’s total positive charge balances the electrons’ total negative charge.
What is an ion?
An atom with a net electric charge.
How does an atom form a positive ion?
It loses one or more electrons, leaving more positive charge than negative charge.
How does an atom form a negative ion?
It gains one or more electrons, giving it more negative charge than positive charge.
What happens to the charge of an atom’s nucleus when the atom gains or loses electrons?
It does not change.