Chapter 2- Introduction to Atoms © Fall 2005, Pflugerville ISD, 8th Grade
Development of the Atomic Theory Democritus was a Greek philosopher who theorized that all matter was made of invisible particles called atoms. Democritus of Abdera, about 460-370 BCE Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory Dalton, a British chemist and teacher. Noticed that elements combine in specific proportions to form compounds, and theorized that their atoms combine at the same proportions John Dalton 1766-1844 Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory Rutherford, a former student of Thomson’s from New Zealand, tested his teacher’s theories in his Gold Foil Experiment. Ernest Rutherford 1871- 1937 Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory But some of the particles were deflected or bounced straight back! This showed that a nucleus with a positive charge makes up the center of an atom. Rutherford’s Gold Foil Experiment Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory Bohr, a Danish scientist described the motion of electrons around the nucleus. Niels Bohr 1885-1962 Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory Bohr said that electrons orbit the nucleus at specific energy levels, and can move from one level to another. Bohr’s Atomic Model Unit A : Chapter 2
Development of the Atomic Theory The current atomic theory states that there are regions inside an atom where electrons are likely to be found. These regions are called electron clouds. Electron Cloud Model Unit A : Chapter 2
Parts of the Atom The nucleus is the small, dense, positively charged center of the atom. Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus Neutrons are particles in the nucleus that have no charge Nucleus Unit A : Chapter 2