---
title: "SC1: Atomic Theory and Periodic Law (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SC1
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SC1
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SC1
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SC1.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SC1.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SC1: Atomic Theory and Periodic Law

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the use of the modern atomic theory and periodic law to explain the characteristics of atoms and elements.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SC1.a**: Evaluate merits and limitations of different models of the atom in relation to relative size, charge, and position of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the atom.
- **SC1.b**: Construct an argument to support the claim that the proton (and not the neutron or electron) defines the element's identity.
- **SC1.c**: Construct an explanation based on scientific evidence of the production of elements heavier than hydrogen by nuclear fusion.
- **SC1.d**: Construct an explanation that relates the relative abundance of isotopes of a particular element to the atomic mass of the element.
- **SC1.e**: Construct an explanation of light emission and the movement of electrons to identify elements.
- **SC1.f**: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms (i.e. including atomic radii, ionization energy, and electronegativity).
- **SC1.g**: Develop and use models, including electron configuration of atoms and ions, to predict an element's chemical properties.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.