UPCAT Chemistry — Atomic Theory & StructureConcept Map
A visual concept map is the fastest way to remember how Atomic Theory & Structure connects to the rest of UPCAT Chemistry. This page shows the key concepts, sub-topics, and relationships you need to anchor in memory before sitting for the UPCAT 2026.
Exam context
The University of the Philippines College Admission Test is conducted by University of the Philippines and is scheduled for Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions). The Chemistry subtest is marked as "Core" in the official pattern, and Atomic Theory & Structure appears in position 2nd of 7 in the UPCAT Chemistry review rotation. Passing mark: UPG ≤ 2.2 typical. Recent UPCAT 2026 papers have drawn roughly 20 questions from this subject.
Atomic Theory & Structure - Concept map
Central Concept
Atomic Theory & Structure
Related Concepts
Concept
Basic Atomic Components
Sub Concepts
- Protons
- Neutrons
- Electrons
- Nucleus
- Electron Orbitals
- Atomic Number
- Mass Number
- Isotopes
Relationship To Central
Forms the foundation of atomic structure understanding
Concept
Historical Development of Atomic Theory
Sub Concepts
- Dalton's Atomic Theory
- Thomson's Plum Pudding Model
- Rutherford's Nuclear Model
- Bohr's Solar System Model
- Quantum Mechanical Model
Relationship To Central
Shows evolution of atomic understanding through scientific discoveries
Concept
Quantum Numbers and Electron Configuration
Sub Concepts
- Principal Quantum Number
- Angular Momentum Quantum Number
- Magnetic Quantum Number
- Spin Quantum Number
- Electron Configuration
- Aufbau Principle
- Hund's Rule
- Pauli Exclusion Principle
Relationship To Central
Describes precise location and behavior of electrons in atoms
Concept
Periodic Table Organization
Sub Concepts
- Periodic Trends
- Groups and Families
- Periods
- Atomic Radius
- Ionization Energy
- Electronegativity
- Electron Affinity
Relationship To Central
Shows systematic arrangement based on atomic structure
Concept
Nuclear Chemistry
Sub Concepts
- Radioactive Decay
- Alpha Decay
- Beta Decay
- Gamma Decay
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
- Half-Life
- Nuclear Stability
Relationship To Central
Deals with changes in atomic nuclei and radioactive processes
Concept
Ions and Ionic Compounds
Sub Concepts
- Cations
- Anions
- Ion Formation
- Ionic Bonding
- Electrolytes
- Polyatomic Ions
Relationship To Central
Formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, changing their structure
Concept Connections
To
Electron Configuration
From
Atomic Number
Strength
strong
Relationship
Determines the number of electrons and their arrangement
To
Electron Configuration
From
Quantum Numbers
Strength
strong
Relationship
Provide the rules for electron placement in orbitals
To
Periodic Trends
From
Electron Configuration
Strength
strong
Relationship
Electronic structure determines chemical and physical properties
To
Nuclear Stability
From
Protons and Neutrons
Strength
strong
Relationship
Number and ratio affect nuclear stability and radioactive decay
To
Modern Quantum Model
From
Historical Atomic Models
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Earlier models provided foundation for current understanding
To
Radioactive Decay
From
Isotopes
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Some isotopes are unstable and undergo radioactive decay
To
Ion Formation
From
Valence Electrons
Strength
strong
Relationship
Valence electrons are gained or lost to form ions
To
Atomic Properties
From
Periodic Table Position
Strength
strong
Relationship
Position predicts atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity
To
Electron Behavior
From
Nuclear Charge
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Nuclear charge affects electron attraction and orbital energies
To
Chemical Behavior
From
Subatomic Particles
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Arrangement of particles determines how atoms interact chemically
Previous chapter
Matter, Mixtures & Measurement
Next chapter
Periodic Table, Bonding & Chemical Language
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