Home › revision notes › Class 9 science structure of the atom

Structure of the Atom Class 9 Science — Revision Notes

This chapter explores atomic structure including nucleus and electron shells. Students learn about Rutherfords model, Bohrs model, and the arrangement of e

✓ 100% Free ✓ No Login Needed ✓ NCERT / CBSE Aligned ✓ Download as PDF

TL;DR: This chapter explores atomic structure including nucleus and electron shells. Students learn about Rutherfords model, Bohrs model, and the arrangement…

Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated Jul 23, 2026

🤖 Stuck on any question? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor for a step-by-step explanation — instant, unlimited, no login.

This chapter explores atomic structure including nucleus and electron shells. Students learn about Rutherfords model, Bohrs model, and the arrangement of e

Subatomic Particles

  • Proton: positively charged, in nucleus, relative mass 1
  • Neutron: no charge, in nucleus, relative mass 1
  • Electron: negatively charged, in orbits, relative mass 1/1836
  • Atom is neutral when number of protons equals electrons

Rutherfords Model

  • Nucleus is dense, positively charged center of atom
  • Electrons revolve around nucleus in orbits
  • Most of atom is empty space
  • Explains scattering of alpha particles in gold foil experiment

Bohrs Model

  • Electrons exist in fixed energy shells around nucleus
  • Electrons cannot exist between shells
  • Electron jumping absorbs or releases specific energy (photon)
  • Explains line spectrum of hydrogen

Electron Distribution

  • K shell: maximum 2 electrons
  • L shell: maximum 8 electrons
  • M shell: maximum 18 electrons
  • Electrons fill inner shells first
  • Valence electrons: electrons in outermost shell determine chemical properties

Key Terms

  • Nucleus: Dense central region of atom containing protons and neutrons
  • Valence Electrons: Electrons in outermost shell determining chemical properties
  • Atomic Number: Number of protons in nucleus (defines element identity)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many protons are in nitrogen atom?

Nitrogen has atomic number 7, so it has 7 protons. A neutral nitrogen atom also has 7 electrons.

What is mass number of atom?

Mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons. It represents total number of subatomic particles in nucleus.

More Class 9 Science Revision Notes

  • Matter in Our Surroundings
  • Is Matter Around Us Pure
  • Atoms and Molecules
  • The Fundamental Unit of Life
  • Tissues
  • Motion

🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →

More free resources for this chapter

  • Revision Notes →
  • Formula Sheet →

Explore:

  • Syllabus
  • Practice
  • Mock Tests
  • NCERT Solutions
  • Coding
  • GK Quiz
  • Career Predictor
  • AI Tutor
  • Live Quiz
  • Doubt Solver
  • Microlearning
  • Free Alternatives
  • Kids Zone
  • Study Room
  • Calculators
  • Worksheets

Syllab.in — Free learning for Indian students, Class 1–12