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Atomic Physics Practice Questions

IGCSE (Cambridge) · IGCSE Physics · 136 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.

136
Total
39
Easy
71
Medium
26
Hard

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Sample Questions from Atomic Physics

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Q1
Easy
If an atom has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, what is its mass number?
A. 6
B. 12
C. 18
D. 0
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The mass number of an atom is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons. Here, 6 protons + 6 neutrons = 12.
Q2
Easy
Which particle is found in the nucleus of an atom and has no electric charge?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Positron
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Neutrons are neutral particles located in the nucleus of an atom, making them crucial for stabilizing the atom.
Q3
Easy
If an atom has 6 protons, what is its atomic number?
A. 12
B. 6
C. 18
D. 3
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons it contains. Therefore, if an atom has 6 protons, its atomic number is 6.
Q4
Medium
What is the mass number of an atom with 6 protons and 8 neutrons?
A. 14
B. 6
C. 8
D. 18
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Here, 6 protons + 8 neutrons = 14.
Q5
Medium
Which particle is responsible for the chemical properties of an element?
A. Neutrons
B. Electrons
C. Protons
D. Nucleons
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Electrons, particularly those in the outer shell, determine how an atom interacts with others and thus its chemical properties.
Q6
Medium
If an atom has a half-life of 10 years, how much of a 100g sample remains after 30 years?
A. 25g
B. 12.5g
C. 50g
D. 6.25g
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
After 30 years, which is three half-lives (10, 20, 30), the sample reduces from 100g to 50g after one half-life, 25g after two, and 12.5g after three.
Q7
Medium
In a hydrogen atom, what is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the first energy level?
A. 2
B. 1
C. 8
D. 4
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The first energy level can hold a maximum of 2 electrons according to the 2n² rule, where n is the energy level number.
Q8
Hard
An atom has a mass number of 12 and contains 6 protons. How many neutrons does it have?
A. 6
B. 12
C. 18
D. 5
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. Here, mass number (12) = number of protons (6) + number of neutrons. Thus, neutrons = 12 - 6 = 6.
Q9
Hard
If an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, what changes occur in the atom?
A. Atomic number decreases by 2 and mass number decreases by 4.
B. Atomic number increases by 2 and mass number increases by 4.
C. Atomic number decreases by 4 and mass number decreases by 2.
D. Atomic number remains the same and mass number decreases by 4.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. When emitted, the atomic number decreases by 2 (as protons decrease) and the mass number decreases by 4 (2 protons + 2 neutrons leave the nucleus).
Q10
Hard
An atom has an atomic number of 12 and a mass number of 24. How many neutrons does this atom have?
A. 12
B. 24
C. 36
D. 0
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The number of neutrons can be found by subtracting the atomic number from the mass number: Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 24 - 12 = 12.

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Atomic Physics — IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Physics Practice Questions Online

This page contains 136 practice MCQs for the chapter Atomic Physics in IGCSE (Cambridge) IGCSE Physics. The questions are organized by difficulty — 39 easy, 71 medium, 26 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.

Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.