History of Atom Theory AdamClaytonMeganMorganTrenton

Democritus  Pupil of Leucippus  B.C.E  Born in Abdara Thrace Greece  Greek Philosopher  “Father” of Modern Science  Supported Atomic Theory

Aristotle  Pupil of Plato  B.C.E.  Born in Stagira Northern Greece  Greek Philosopher  Made contributions to the study of Biology  Believed in the theory of the five elements

Democritus’ Theory  Democritus suggested that all matter was formed of different types of tiny discrete particles  The properties of these particles also determined the properties of matter  Method to verify the theory did not exist  Therefore it was not widely accepted

Aristotle’s Theory  Aristotle did not believe in Atomic Theory  He believed matter was made up of the 4 elements of nature (Air, Earth, Water and Fire) Also believed in Aether (What he considered a divine substance that was found in stars and the universe  Aristotle thought matter was made up of at least one of the elements

Particle Theories Aristotle  Opposed Atomic Theory  Suggested that all matter was formed of different types of tiny particles Democritus  Supported Atomic Theory  Clamed there was no smallest part of particles that different substances were made of

Similarities They both believed that there was more to the things in the world. Meaning matter was made of something

How the Ideas fit into History  Democritus – first to develop an atomic structure model  Aristotle – Believed the basis of Atomic structure was false

Public View  Democritus’ atomic theory was ignored  Aristotles theory was believed because it was how other people viewed the structure of the atom