NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the Atom

Question

In NCERT Solutions Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the Atom we can study Structure of the Atom. NCERT Solutions provides solutions to all the exercise questions asked in this chapter as well as the intext questions. Summarised and organized by experts in this field to provide you with a deep understanding of the Structure of the Atom. Our NCERT Solutions Class 9 Chapter 4 Structure of the Atom is the best way to prepare for their CBSE examination. According to the analysis of the previous year's question paper, Structure of the Atom is very important as every year 6-7 marks questions are asked. All the topics, questions, and answers are explained in the east to understand the language.

All the important topics mentioned in the chapter are:

• Introduction
• Discovery of Electrons-Cathode Rays (By J.J. Thomson)
• Facts about electrons
• Discovery of Protons-Anode Rays/Canal Rays
• Facts about Protons
• Discovery of Neutrons (By J. Chadwick
• Atomic models
•  Thomson's Atomic model
• Rutherford's Atomic model
• Observations made by Rutherford in his experiment
• Conclusions made by rutherford
• Features of Rutherford’s proposed model of the atom
• Drawbacks of Rutherford's model
• Assumptions made by Neil Bohr
• Atomic Number
• Mass number
• Distribution of Electrons in Various shells
• Bohr-Bury Scheme
• Valence shell and Valence electrons
• Isotopes
• Uses of isotopes
• Isobars

In this chapter, we can learn about topics of Structure of the Atom such as covalent bonding in Facts about electrons, Facts about Protons, Discovery of Neutrons, Atomic models, Thomson's Atomic model, Rutherford's Atomic model, and Atomic Number. NCERT Solutions Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the Atom provided by our experts are made to assist you through your preparation journey. It is highly advised by our experts to completely read and understand our solutions to score good marks in your exams. Now all the solutions are at your fingertip to get started.

 

 

 

Answer 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Science Chapter 4 Structure of the Atom

1. What are the canal rays?

Solution:

The radiations that are positively charged are canal rays. This discovery was crucial in the discovery of another subatomic particle that was positively charged – proton.

2. If an atom contains one electron and one proton, will it carry any charge or not?

Solution:

Since a proton is a positively charged particle and an electron is a negatively charged particle, the net charge becomes neutral as both the particles neutralizes each other.

3. On the basis of Thompson’s model of an atom, explain how the atom is neutral as a whole.

Solution:

As per Thompson’s model of an atom,

(i) An atom contains a positively charged sphere in which the negatively charged electrons are implanted.

(ii) Electrons and protons are equal in magnitude, hence an atom on the whole is electrically neutral.

4. On the basis of Rutherford’s model of an atom, which subatomic particle is present in the nucleus of an atom?

Solution:

As per Rutherford’s model of an atom, the positively charged protons are the ones that are present in the atom.

5. Draw a sketch of Bohr’s model of an atom with three shells.

Solution:

6. What do you think would be the observation if the ∝– particle scattering experiment is carried out using a foil of a metal other than gold?

Solution:

In the ∝ – particle scattering experiment, when any other metal foil is used instead of gold, the observation would remain the same. This is because the structure of an atom when considered individually remains the same.

7. Name the three subatomic particles of an atom.

Solution:

An atom consists of three subatomic particles:

• Protons  – positively charged
• Electrons – negatively charged
• Neutrons – neutral in nature ( no charge )

8. Helium atom has an atomic mass of 4 u and two protons in its nucleus. How many neutrons does it have?

Solution:

Given: Atomic mass of helium atom = 4u, 2 protons in helium nucleus

Atomic mass = number of protons + number of neutrons

4 = 2 + number of neutrons

Number of neutrons = 4 – 2 = 2

Hence, Helium has 2 neutrons.

9. Write the distribution of electrons in Carbon and Sodium atoms.

Solution:

A carbon atom contains a total of 6 electrons. The following equation describes the electron distribution in a carbon atom: first orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; second orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; third orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; fourth orbit or K-shell

L-shell or second orbit = 4 electrons

We can also express the electron distribution in a carbon atom as 2, 4.

In a sodium atom, there are 11 total electrons. The electron distribution in the sodium atom is described by: first orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; second orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; third orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; fourth orbit or K-shell = 2

L-shell or second orbit = 8 electrons

M-shell or third orbit = 1 electron

Alternatively, we can express the electron distribution in a sodium atom as 2, 8, 1.

10. If K and L shells of an atom are full, then what would be the total number of electrons in the atom?

Solution:

K shell can hold 2 electrons

L shell can hold 8 electrons

Hence, when both the shells are full, the total number of electrons present in the atom = 2 + 8 = 10 electrons.

11. How will you find the valency of chlorine, sulphur and magnesium?

Solution:

We know that an element’s valency refers to its proclivity for accepting or losing electrons in order to complete its octet and achieve a stable electronic state.

It is the smallest number of electrons that must be added or removed to entirely occupy an element’s outermost shell.

Mathematically, if an atom’s outermost shell contains 4 or fewer electrons, the element’s valency is equal to the number of electrons present in the outermost shell; if it contains more than 4, the valency is determined by subtracting the total number of electrons present in the outermost shell from 8.

Calculation of valency:

Valency of chlorine: 

The electronic configuration of chlorine = 2, 8, 7.

Since, chlorine has 7 (more than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.

Therefore, valency of chlorine = 8 – number of electrons in outermost shell

= 8 − 7

= 1

Valency of Sulphur: 

The electronic configuration of Sulphur = 2, 8,6.

Since, Sulphur has 6 (more than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.

Therefore, valency of chlorine = 8-number of electrons in outermost shell

= 8 − 6

= 2.

Valency of magnesium: 

The electronic configuration of Magnesium = 2, 8, 2.

Since, magnesium has 2 (less than 4) electrons in its outermost shell.

Therefore, valency of magnesium= Number of electrons in its outermost shell

= 2

12. If the number of electrons in an atom is 8 and number of protons is also 8, then

(i) What is the atomic number of the atom? and

(ii) What is the charge on the atom?

Solution:

Given:

Number of electrons = 8

Number of protons = 8

(i) The atomic number of an atom is the same as the number of protons in that atom, hence its atomic number is 8.

(ii) In an atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Hence both the charges – positive and negative neutralize each other. Therefore, the atom does not possess any charge.

Answer 2

13. With the help of given Table, find out the mass number of oxygen and sulphur atom.

Table: Composition of Atoms of the First Eighteen Elements with Electron Distribution in Various Shells

Solution:

(a) To find the mass number of Oxygen:

Number of protons = 8

Number of neutrons = 8

Atomic number = 8

Atomic mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons = 8 + 8 = 16

Therefore, mass number of oxygen = 16

(b) To find the mass number of Sulphur:

Number of protons = 16

Number of neutrons = 16

Atomic number = 16

Atomic mass number = Number of protons + number of neutrons = 16 + 16 = 32

14. For the symbol H, D and T, tabulate three subatomic particles found in each of them.

Solution:

The following table depicts the subatomic particles in Hydrogen (H), Deuterium (D), and Tritium(T).

Isotope	Symbol	Mass no.	Atomic no.	No. of electrons	No. of protons	No. of neutrons
Hydrogen	H	1	1	1	1	0
Deuterium	D	2	1	1	1	1
Tritium	T	3	1	1	1	2

15. Write the electronic configuration of any one pair of isotopes and isobar.

Solution:

(a) Isotopes: Isotopes are atoms which have the same number of protons but the number of neutrons differs. This leads to the variation in mass number too.

Example: Carbon molecule exists as ₆C¹² and ₆C¹⁴ but when their electronic configuration is noticed, both have K-2; L-4

(b) Isobars: Isobars are atoms which have the same mass number but differ in the atomic number. Electronic configuration of an isobar pair is as follows,

Example: Electronic configuration of ₂₀Ca⁴⁰ – K-2; L-8; M-8; N- 2

Electronic configuration of ₁₈Ar⁴⁰ – K-2; L-8; M-8

16. Compare the properties of electrons, protons and neutrons.

Solution:

Property	Electrons	Protons	Neutrons
Charge	Negatively charged	Positively charged	No charge.
Location	Located outside the nucleus	Located within the nucleus	Located inside the nucleus of an atom
Weight	Mass is negligible	1 a.m.u	1 a.m.u
Affinity	Attracted towards positively charged	Attracted towards negatively charged	Do not get attracted to any charged particle

17. What are the limitations of J.J.Thomson’s model of the atom?

Solution:

The following are the limitations of the J.J. Thomson’s model of an atom.

• The model failed to explain the outcome of alpha particle scattering which was conducted by Rutherford. The model failed to depict why majority of these alpha particles pass through gold foil while some are diverted through small and big angles, while some others rebound completely, returning back on their path.
• It did not provide any experimental evidence and was established on imagination.

18. What are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom?

Solution:

Following are the limitations of Rutherford’s model of the atom:

• There is no expected stability in the revolution of the electron in a circular orbit
• Charged particles radiate energy when accelerated thus causing the revolving electrons to lose energy and would fall into the nucleus
• Hence atoms must be highly unstable. Matter would not exist in their known form which clearly is an assumption as atoms are highly stable.

19. Describe Bohr’s model of the atom.

Solution:

• An atom holds the nucleus at the centre.
• Negatively charged electrons revolve around the nucleus.
• The atoms in it contains distinct orbits of electrons.
• Electrons do not radiate energy when they are in their orbits.
• The distinct orbits are named as K, L, M, N orbits. Numbers used to denote them are n = 1, 2, 3, 4

20. Compare all the proposed models of an atom given in this chapter.

Solution:

21. Summarise the rules for writing of distribution of electrons in various shells for the first eighteen elements.

Solution:

• Maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell is given by the formula: 2n², where n= 1, 2, 3…
• Maximum number of electrons in different shells are:

K shell – n = 1 ; 2n² = 2(1)² = 2

L shell – n = 2 ; 2n² = 2(2)² = 8

M shell – n = 3 ; 2n² = 2(3)² = 18

N shell- n = 4 ; 2n² = 2(4)² = 32

• The outermost orbit can be accommodated with 8 electrons at the maximum.
• The electrons are not taken in unless the inner shells are filled which are filled step-wise, hence the highest element has K-2; L-8 ; M-8 distribution of electrons.

Answer 3

22. Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.

Solution:

The definite combining capacity of the atoms of each element, wherein electrons are lost, gained or shared to make the octet of electrons present in the outermost shell is defined as valency. To measure valency, we can figure out the number of electrons that are required to complete the shell in which it is contained or losing excess electrons if present, once the filling is complete.

Example : To find the valency of silicon:

The atomic number of silicon is 14

Number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in silicon i.e., 14

The distribution of electrons in silicon atom is K – 2, L – 8, M – 4

Hence, from the distribution of silicon it is clearly evident that to fill the M shell 4 electrons are required. Therefore its valency is 8 - 4 = 4.

To find the valency of oxygen:

The atomic number of oxygen is 8

Number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in oxygen i.e., 8

The distribution of electrons in oxygen atom is K – 2, L – 6

Hence, from the distribution of oxygen it is clearly evident that to fill the M shell 6 more electrons are required. Therefore its valency is 8 - 6 = 2.

23. Explain with examples

(i) Atomic number,

(ii) Mass number,

(iii) Isotopes and

(iv) Isobars.

Give any two uses of isotopes.

Solution:

(i) The number of positively charged protons present in the nucleus of an atom is defined as the atomic number and is denoted by Z. Example: Hydrogen has one proton in its nucleus, hence its atomic number is one.

(ii) The total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom is known as the mass number. It is denoted by A. ₂₀Ca⁴⁰ . Mass number is 40. Atomic number is 20.

(iii) The atoms which have the same number of protons but different number of neutrons are referred to as isotopes. Hence the mass number varies.

Example: The most simple example is the Carbon molecule which exists as ₆C¹² and ₆C¹⁴

(iv) Isobars: Isobars are atoms which have the same mass number but differ in the atomic number.

Examples are,  ₂₀Ca⁴⁰and  ₁₈Ar⁴⁰

Uses of isotopes:

• The isotope of Iodine atom is used to treat goitre and iodine deficient disease.
• In the treatment of cancer, an isotope of cobalt is used.
• Fuel for nuclear reactors is derived from the isotopes of the Uranium atom.

24. Na⁺ has completely filled K and L shells. Explain.

Solution:

The atomic number of sodium is 11. It has 11 electrons in its orbitals wherein the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Hence, its electronic configuration is K-2 ; L-8 ; M-1 ; The one electron in the M shell is lost and it obtains a positive charge since it has one more proton than electrons, and obtains a positive charge, Na⁺ . The new electronic configuration is K-1 ; L-8 which is the filled state. Hence it is very difficult to eliminate the electron from a filled state as it is very stable.

25. If bromine atom is available in the form of, say, two isotopes  ₃₅Br⁷⁹ (49.7%) and ₃₅Br⁸¹ (50.3%), calculate the average atomic mass of Bromine atom.

Solution:

The atomic mass of an element is the mass of one atom of that element. Average atomic mass takes into account the isotopic abundance.

Isotope of bromine with atomic mass 79 u = 49.7%

Therefore, Contribution of ³⁵Br₇₉ to atomic mass = (79 × 49.7)/100

⇒ 39.26 u

Isotope of bromine with atomic mass 81 u = 50.3%

Contribution of ³⁵Br₈₁ to the atomic mass of bromine = (81 × 50.3)/100

⇒ 40.64u

Hence, average atomic mass of the bromine atom = 39.26 + 40.64 u = 79.9u

26. The average atomic mass of a sample of an element X is 16.2 u. What are the percentages of isotopes  ₈X¹⁶ and ₈X¹⁸ in the sample?

Solution:

Let the percentage of ₈X¹⁶ be ‘a’ and that of ₈X¹⁸  be ‘100-a’.

As per given data,

16.2u = 16 a / 100 + 18 (100-a) /100

1620 = 16a + 1800 – 18a

1620 = 1800 – 2a

a = 90%

Hence, the percentage of isotope in the sample ₈X¹⁶  is 90% and that of

₈X¹⁸ = 100 - a = 100 - 90 = 10%

27. If Z = 3, what would be the valency of the element? Also, name the element.

Solution:

Given: Atomic number, Z = 3

The electronic configuration of the element = K-2; L-1, hence its valency = 1

The element with atomic number 3 is Lithium.

28. Composition of the nuclei of two atomic species X and Y are given as under

X - Y

Protons = 6 6

Neutrons = 6 8

Give the mass numbers of X and Y. What is the relation between the two species?

Solution:

Mass number of X: Protons + neutrons = 6 + 6 = 12

Mass number of Y: Protons + neutrons = 6 + 8 = 14

They are the same element as their atomic numbers are the same.

They are isotopes as they differ in the number of neutrons and hence their mass numbers.

29. For the following statements, write T for true and F for false.

(a) J.J. Thomson proposed that the nucleus of an atom contains only nucleons.

(b) A neutron is formed by an electron and a proton combining together. Therefore it is neutral.

(c) The mass of an electron is about 1/2000 times that of proton.

(d) An isotope of iodine is used for making tincture iodine, which is used as a medicine.

Solution:

(a) Statement is False

(b) Statement is False

(c) Statement is True

(d) Statement is False

30. Put a tick(✓) against correct choice and cross(x) against wrong choice in questions 15, 16 and 17.

Rutherford’s alpha – particle scattering experiment was responsible for the discovery of

(a) Atomic nucleus

(b) Electron

(c) Proton

(d) Neutron

Solution:

(a) Atomic nucleus

31. Isotopes of an element have

(a) The same physical properties

(b) Different chemical properties

(c) Different number of neutrons

(d) Different atomic numbers.

Solution:

(c) Different number of neutrons

32. Number of valence electrons in Cl^– ion are:

(a) 16

(b) 8

(c) 17

(d) 18

Solution:

(b) 8

Electronic distribution of Cl is K-2, L-8, M-7. Valence electrons are 7, hence chlorine gains one electron for the formation of Cl^–. Therefore, its valency is 8.

Answer 4

33. Which one of the following is a correct electronic configuration of Sodium?

(a) 2, 8

(b) 8, 2, 1

(c) 2, 1, 8

(d) 2, 8, 1

Solution:

(d) 2, 8, 1

34. Complete the following table.

Solution: