NST2601
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 26 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the following
a. Particle:
A particle is a tiny piece of matter. It can be something very small like a grain of dust
or even smaller, like an atom or part of an atom. In science, we use the word particle
to talk about objects that have properties such as mass and volume, even if they are
too small to see. In some subjects like chemistry, particles can mean atoms or
molecules. In physics, they can also mean smaller things like electrons.
b. Atomic model:
An atomic model is a drawing or idea that helps us understand what an atom looks
like and how it works. Scientists use these models to explain how atoms are built
and how they behave. There are different models that were made over time, such as
Dalton’s solid sphere model, Thomson’s plum pudding model, Rutherford’s nuclear
model, Bohr’s model with electrons in orbits, and the current quantum model. These
models help us learn more about atoms even though we cannot see them.
c. Subatomic:
The word subatomic means smaller than an atom. Subatomic particles are the tiny
parts that make up atoms. The three main ones are protons, neutrons, and
electrons. These are the building blocks that combine to form atoms and everything
in the universe.
f. Electron configuration
Electron configuration shows how electrons are arranged in an atom. It tells us which
energy levels and orbitals the electrons are in. This arrangement influences the
chemical behaviour of the atom and how it bonds with other atoms. The rules that
guide this arrangement are the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and the Pauli exclusion
principle.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 26 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the following
a. Particle:
A particle is a tiny piece of matter. It can be something very small like a grain of dust
or even smaller, like an atom or part of an atom. In science, we use the word particle
to talk about objects that have properties such as mass and volume, even if they are
too small to see. In some subjects like chemistry, particles can mean atoms or
molecules. In physics, they can also mean smaller things like electrons.
b. Atomic model:
An atomic model is a drawing or idea that helps us understand what an atom looks
like and how it works. Scientists use these models to explain how atoms are built
and how they behave. There are different models that were made over time, such as
Dalton’s solid sphere model, Thomson’s plum pudding model, Rutherford’s nuclear
model, Bohr’s model with electrons in orbits, and the current quantum model. These
models help us learn more about atoms even though we cannot see them.
c. Subatomic:
The word subatomic means smaller than an atom. Subatomic particles are the tiny
parts that make up atoms. The three main ones are protons, neutrons, and
electrons. These are the building blocks that combine to form atoms and everything
in the universe.
f. Electron configuration
Electron configuration shows how electrons are arranged in an atom. It tells us which
energy levels and orbitals the electrons are in. This arrangement influences the
chemical behaviour of the atom and how it bonds with other atoms. The rules that
guide this arrangement are the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and the Pauli exclusion
principle.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
