By: Trina Laffey and Logan Hellinger Democritus By: Trina Laffey and Logan Hellinger

Life of Democritus Democritus was born in Abdera, Greece in 460 B.C. He lived to be 90 and died in 370 B.C. He was never married He enjoyed traveling and traveled to many countries

The Idea of the Atom Around 400 B.C. Democritus’ mentor Leucippus originally came up with the atomic theory but Democritus adopted it. His theory stated that everything was made up of two things, atoms and the void that they move around in. Democritus believed everything was made of tiny particles that could eventually not be divisible. He called these particles atomos which means indivisible in Greek. He believed atoms were indestructible. Democritus was trying to find out if matter could be divided indefinitely or if there was a limit.

Democritus’ Hypothesis His hypothesis stated: Atoms cannot be destroyed They are different sizes They are different shapes They vary in temperature They are invisible They are constantly moving

Democritus’ Theory All matter consists of invisible particles called atoms. Atoms are indestructible. Atoms are solid but invisible. Atoms are homogeneous. Atoms differ in size, shape, mass, position, and arrangement. Solids are made of small, pointy atoms. Liquids are made of large, round atoms. Oils are made of very fine, small atoms that can easily slip past eachother.

Democritus’ Atomic Model He was the first person to create an atomic model, which was merely a sphere and had no protons, neutrons or electrons. His model helped people to understand the concept of the atom, and it helped scientists study generic makeup and the sciences behind them

Democritus’ Atomic Model (Con’t) It was believed that the solidness of a material depended on the shapes of the atoms involved such as: Iron atoms were strong, linked with hooks, making a strong solid object Water atoms are smooth and slippery and not really linked Air molecules are light and whirling, pervading all other atoms. Salt atoms are sharp and pointed due to their taste.

Video: Crash Course Chemistry

Works Cited: http://the-history-of-the-atom.wikispaces.com/Democritus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democritus#Atomic_Hypot hesis