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6 Dec 2025
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Comprehensive AQA Chemistry Mindmap - Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Alanna ๐ซ
@alanna_d
The Evolution of Atomic Theory
Your journey into chemistry starts with understanding how brilliant scientists gradually uncovered the secrets of atoms. John Dalton kicked things off in 1803, proposing that everything is made of tiny, identical spheres called atoms. Pretty basic, but it was a start!
Things got more interesting when J.J. Thomson introduced his plum pudding model in 1897. He imagined atoms as positively charged blobs with negative electrons scattered throughout, like raisins in a pudding. However, Ernest Rutherford completely revolutionised this idea in 1911 by discovering the nucleus - a dense, positively charged core with electrons orbiting around it.
Niels Bohr refined this further in 1913, suggesting that electrons orbit at fixed energy levels, whilst James Chadwick later discovered neutrons, completing our modern understanding. Each scientist built upon previous work, showing how scientific knowledge develops over time.
Key Point: Atoms consist of a dense nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by orbiting electrons - this structure explains how all matter behaves!
Atomic Structure Essentials
Understanding atomic structure is absolutely crucial for GCSE Chemistry success. The nucleus sits at the atom's centre, packed with positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. Meanwhile, negatively charged electrons whizz around the nucleus in energy levels or shells.
Atomic number tells you how many protons an element has, whilst mass number is the total of protons plus neutrons. Since atoms contain equal numbers of protons and electrons, they're electrically neutral overall. When atoms gain or lose electrons, they become ions with an overall charge.
Isotopes are different forms of the same element - they have identical atomic numbers but different mass numbers due to varying neutron counts. The relative atomic mass you see on the periodic table is actually an average of all isotopes.
Remember: Protons determine what element you're dealing with, whilst electron arrangement determines how it behaves chemically!
Separation Techniques Made Simple
Laboratory techniques for separating mixtures are dead useful and frequently appear in exams. Filtration works brilliantly for separating insoluble solids from liquids - the liquid passes through filter paper whilst solids get trapped.
Evaporation separates dissolved substances from solutions by heating until the liquid evaporates, leaving crystals behind. Crystallisation is gentler - you heat the solution in a water bath until crystals start forming, then let it cool naturally to avoid thermal decomposition.
Simple distillation separates liquids from solutions by heating the mixture, causing water to evaporate and condense in a separate container. Fractional distillation is more sophisticated, separating liquid mixtures by using their different boiling points - perfect for separating crude oil fractions!
Exam Tip: Always explain why you'd choose each technique - it shows you understand the science behind the method!
Groups 1 and 7: Reactive Powerhouses
Group 1 metals (alkali metals) are chemistry's drama queens - they're incredibly reactive and put on quite a show! Lithium, sodium, and potassium all have one electron in their outer shell, making them desperate to lose it and form positive ions.
These metals are surprisingly soft, have low density, and reactivity increases down the group. They react vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and metal hydroxides, and with oxygen to form metal oxides. All Group 1 metals form ionic compounds with non-metals.
Group 7 (halogens) are equally fascinating but in the opposite way. Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine have seven electrons in their outer shell, so they're keen to gain one more. Reactivity decreases down the group - fluorine is the most reactive, whilst iodine is relatively calm.
Pattern Spotting: Group 1 gets more reactive going down, Group 7 gets less reactive - this trend knowledge is pure exam gold!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive AQA Chemistry Mindmap - Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Alanna ๐ซ
@alanna_d
Ever wondered what everything around you is actually made of? The story of atomic theory is like a detective mystery that took scientists over 200 years to solve, with each discovery building on the last to reveal the incredible structure... Show more
The Evolution of Atomic Theory
Your journey into chemistry starts with understanding how brilliant scientists gradually uncovered the secrets of atoms. John Dalton kicked things off in 1803, proposing that everything is made of tiny, identical spheres called atoms. Pretty basic, but it was a start!
Things got more interesting when J.J. Thomson introduced his plum pudding model in 1897. He imagined atoms as positively charged blobs with negative electrons scattered throughout, like raisins in a pudding. However, Ernest Rutherford completely revolutionised this idea in 1911 by discovering the nucleus - a dense, positively charged core with electrons orbiting around it.
Niels Bohr refined this further in 1913, suggesting that electrons orbit at fixed energy levels, whilst James Chadwick later discovered neutrons, completing our modern understanding. Each scientist built upon previous work, showing how scientific knowledge develops over time.
Key Point: Atoms consist of a dense nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) surrounded by orbiting electrons - this structure explains how all matter behaves!
Atomic Structure Essentials
Understanding atomic structure is absolutely crucial for GCSE Chemistry success. The nucleus sits at the atom's centre, packed with positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. Meanwhile, negatively charged electrons whizz around the nucleus in energy levels or shells.
Atomic number tells you how many protons an element has, whilst mass number is the total of protons plus neutrons. Since atoms contain equal numbers of protons and electrons, they're electrically neutral overall. When atoms gain or lose electrons, they become ions with an overall charge.
Isotopes are different forms of the same element - they have identical atomic numbers but different mass numbers due to varying neutron counts. The relative atomic mass you see on the periodic table is actually an average of all isotopes.
Remember: Protons determine what element you're dealing with, whilst electron arrangement determines how it behaves chemically!
Separation Techniques Made Simple
Laboratory techniques for separating mixtures are dead useful and frequently appear in exams. Filtration works brilliantly for separating insoluble solids from liquids - the liquid passes through filter paper whilst solids get trapped.
Evaporation separates dissolved substances from solutions by heating until the liquid evaporates, leaving crystals behind. Crystallisation is gentler - you heat the solution in a water bath until crystals start forming, then let it cool naturally to avoid thermal decomposition.
Simple distillation separates liquids from solutions by heating the mixture, causing water to evaporate and condense in a separate container. Fractional distillation is more sophisticated, separating liquid mixtures by using their different boiling points - perfect for separating crude oil fractions!
Exam Tip: Always explain why you'd choose each technique - it shows you understand the science behind the method!
Groups 1 and 7: Reactive Powerhouses
Group 1 metals (alkali metals) are chemistry's drama queens - they're incredibly reactive and put on quite a show! Lithium, sodium, and potassium all have one electron in their outer shell, making them desperate to lose it and form positive ions.
These metals are surprisingly soft, have low density, and reactivity increases down the group. They react vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and metal hydroxides, and with oxygen to form metal oxides. All Group 1 metals form ionic compounds with non-metals.
Group 7 (halogens) are equally fascinating but in the opposite way. Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine have seven electrons in their outer shell, so they're keen to gain one more. Reactivity decreases down the group - fluorine is the most reactive, whilst iodine is relatively calm.
Pattern Spotting: Group 1 gets more reactive going down, Group 7 gets less reactive - this trend knowledge is pure exam gold!
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Metals and Non-metals
Most popular content in Chemistry
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user