Class 9 Science – Journey Inside the Atom
Answer Key
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)
1. c) Thomson
2. b) Number of protons
3. c) Neutron
4. a) 2
5. c) Same atomic number but different mass numbers
Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (2 × 5 = 10 Marks)
6. Define an atom.
An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains all the chemical
properties of that element.
7. State any two postulates of Dalton's Atomic Theory.
1. Matter is made up of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
2. All atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.
8. What is an atomic number?
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons present in the
nucleus of its atom.
9. What is valency?
Valency is the combining capacity of an atom, determined by the number
of electrons lost, gained, or shared to achieve a stable electronic
configuration.
10. Differentiate between proton and electron.
Proton Electron
Positively charged (+1) Negatively charged (-1)
Present in the nucleus Present outside the nucleus in shells
Section C: Short Answer Questions (3 × 5 = 15 Marks)
11. Explain Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment and its conclusion.
Rutherford directed a beam of alpha particles towards a thin gold foil.
Most particles passed straight through, some were deflected slightly, and
a very few bounced back.
Conclusions:
Most of the atom is empty space.
The positive charge and most of the mass are concentrated in a
small central nucleus.
Electrons revolve around the nucleus.
12. Why was Thomson's atomic model rejected?
According to Thomson's model, positive charge was spread uniformly
throughout the atom with electrons embedded in it. Rutherford's Gold Foil
Experiment showed that positive charge is concentrated in a tiny nucleus
rather than spread throughout the atom. Therefore, Thomson's model was
rejected.
13. Write the electronic configuration of Oxygen and Magnesium.
Oxygen (Atomic Number = 8)
K shell = 2 electrons
L shell = 6 electrons
Electronic configuration: 2, 6
Magnesium (Atomic Number = 12)
K shell = 2 electrons
L shell = 8 electrons
M shell = 2 electrons
Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 2
14. Differentiate between isotopes and isobars with one example
each.
Isotopes Isobars
Atoms of the same element Atoms of different elements
Same atomic number Different atomic numbers
Different mass numbers Same mass number
Example: Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 Example: Calcium-40 and Argon-40
15. Explain Bohr's atomic model.
Bohr proposed that electrons revolve around the nucleus in fixed circular
paths called shells or energy levels (K, L, M, N). Electrons do not lose
energy while moving in these shells. Energy is absorbed or emitted only
when electrons move from one shell to another.
Section D: Long Answer Questions (5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
16. Describe the discoveries of electron, proton, and neutron.
Discovery of Electron
Discovered by J. J. Thomson in 1897.
He conducted cathode ray experiments and found negatively
charged particles called electrons.
Discovery of Proton
Discovered by Eugen Goldstein through canal ray experiments.
Protons are positively charged particles present in the nucleus.
Discovery of Neutron
Discovered by James Chadwick in 1932.
Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus.
Conclusion: Atoms are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons.
17. Bohr's Atomic Model (Alternative Answer)
Bohr's model states that:
1. The nucleus is at the centre of the atom.
2. Electrons revolve around the nucleus in fixed shells (K, L, M, N).
3. Electrons do not radiate energy while moving in these shells.
4. Energy is absorbed or emitted when electrons jump between shells.
Labelled Diagram: Students should draw:
A central nucleus containing protons and neutrons.
Circular shells around the nucleus.
Electrons shown on the shells.
Bonus Challenge Answers
1. Why do electrons not collapse into the nucleus?
According to Bohr's theory, electrons move in fixed energy levels and do
not continuously lose energy. Therefore, they do not fall into the nucleus.
2. Name one isotope used in medicine and its use.
Iodine-131 is used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.
Marks Distribution
Section A: 5 Marks
Section B: 10 Marks
Section C: 15 Marks
Section D: 10 Marks
Total = 40 Marks ✅