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Chapter 5 of 32
Syllabus

Atomic Structure

NIOS · Class 10 · Science & Tech

Complete topic list for Atomic Structure in NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

41 questions36 flashcards5 concepts

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A labeled diagram of Rutherford's gold foil experiment, showing alpha particles emitted from a source, passing through a lead plate, striking a thin gold foil, and being detected by a fluorescent scre
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4 Topics · NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech

Topics in Atomic Structure

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1. Discovery of Subatomic Particles

  • Dalton's atomic theory was proposed in 1803 and explained the law of conservation of mass, law of constant composition, and law of multiple proportions.
  • The theory later failed partially because the electron was discovered, proving that the atom is divisible.
  • Sir William Crookes carried out cathode ray tube experiments in 1885.
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2. Atomic Models

  • Thomson proposed the plum-pudding model of the atom.
  • According to Thomson's model, atoms can be considered as a large sphere of uniform positive charge with small negatively charged electrons scattered throughout it.
  • The model is also compared to a watermelon, with the pulp as positive charge and the seeds as electrons.
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3. Atomic Number, Mass Number, and Electronic Configuration

  • Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom and is denoted by Z.
  • For a neutral atom, atomic number = number of protons = number of electrons.
  • Mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and is denoted by A.
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4. Quick Fact Review for Exams

  • Dalton's atomic theory was proposed in 1803.
  • J.J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897.
  • Eugen Goldstein discovered anode rays in 1886.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Atomic structure explains the inner composition of matter through subatomic particles, atomic models, electronic configuration, atomic number, mass number, valency, and the discovery of the neutron.

Charged particles in atomDiscovery of electronDiscovery of protonAtomic modelsAlpha ray scattering experimentNucleusBohr's modelNeutron

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Atomic Structure for NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech?
Key topics in Atomic Structure include Atomic Structure Overview, Atomic Structure Concept Map, Atomic Structure Concept Map. These are the concepts NIOS Class 10 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Atomic Structure — NIOS Class 10 Science & Tech?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 41 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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