3.1.1
Atomic
Structure
AQA 3.1.1 introduces the structure of the atom, the evidence from mass spectrometry, electron configuration and ionisation energy. This topic links fundamental particles, isotopes, relative atomic mass, time of flight mass spectrometry and the arrangement of electrons in shells, sub-shells and orbitals.
Revision Notes
4 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
Atomic Structure
Fundamental particles, relative charges and masses, mass number, isotopes and nuclear notation.
Start revising
Mass Spectrometry
Time of flight mass spectrometry, mass spectra, isotopic abundance, relative atomic mass and molecular ions.
Start revising
Electron Configuration
Shells, sub-shells, orbitals, s, p and d notation, and electron configurations up to Z = 36.
Start revising
Ionisation Energy
First ionisation energy, factors affecting ionisation energy and successive ionisation energy evidence.
Start revisingSummary Map
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Summary maps
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Atoms and Time of Flight Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.1.1 Atomic structure: atoms and mass spectrometry
Atomic models, fundamental particles, isotopes, the time-of-flight mass spectrometer and relative atomic mass on one A4 page.
Electron Configuration Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.1.1 Atomic structure: electron configuration and ionisation energy
Orbitals and sub-shells, configurations, ions and blocks, ionisation energies and the evidence for sub-shells and shells on one A4 page.
© 2026 Online Learning System. For personal study: printing is allowed; editing, copying and redistribution are not.
Virtual Lessons
Recorded video lessons that teach the topic step by step.
The Virtual Lessons for 3.1.1 Atomic Structure are being recorded.
MCQ Bank
Multiple-choice papers on this topic, marked the moment you submit.
The MCQ papers for 3.1.1 Atomic Structure are being written.
SAQ Bank
Written, drawn and worked exam practice on this topic.
The exam practice papers for 3.1.1 Atomic Structure are being written.
Revision Game
Match reagents to products, with your board's reagents and conditions.
The revision game for 3.1.1 Atomic Structure is being built.
Study Cards
Pick a deck, then turn each card to check what you remember.
Specification
Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.
Self-assessment · 27 points
Sign in to rate how confident you feel about each point. Your ratings are saved to your account, follow you to any device, and appear beside your KASP analytics, kept apart from your marks.
3.1.1.1
3.1.1.2
- ii a
determine the number of protons in atoms and ions using mass number, atomic number and charge
Revise - ii b
determine the number of neutrons in atoms and ions using mass number, atomic number and charge
Revise - ii c
determine the number of electrons in atoms and ions using mass number, atomic number and charge
Revise - iv b
understand acceleration in a simple time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer, including giving all ions constant kinetic energy
Revise
3.1.1.3
- i a
write electron configurations of atoms up to Z = 36 in terms of shells and sub-shells (orbitals) s, p and d
Revise - i b
write electron configurations of ions up to Z = 36 in terms of shells and sub-shells (orbitals) s, p and d
Revise - iv a
explain how first ionisation energies in Period 3 (Na-Ar) give evidence for electron configuration in sub-shells
Revise - iv b
explain how successive ionisation energies in Group 2 (Be-Ba) give evidence for electron configuration in shells
Revise
Keep this note — free
Save your progress across every AQA topic. A free account remembers which topics you have covered, saves your question scores, and syncs across your phone and laptop.
- Track every topic you have finished
- Keep your practice-question scores
- No payment, no card, free forever
Already registered? Log in