NOTES!
This module will help you understand the historical development of the atomic theory, the
contributions of different scientists, and how their discoveries led to the modern atomic model.
1. Early Ideas about the Atom
Democritus (400 BCE) – proposed that matter is made of tiny, indivisible particles
called atomos meaning “uncuttable.”
Aristotle – disagreed, claiming matter is continuous and made of four elements: earth,
fire, water, and air.
2. Development of Atomic Theories
John Dalton (1803) – “Billiard Ball Model”
o Atoms are indivisible, solid spheres.
o Atoms of the same element are identical.
o Compounds are formed by joining atoms.
J.J. Thomson (1897) – “Plum Pudding Model”
o Discovered the electron using the cathode ray tube experiment.
o Atom is a positive sphere with negative electrons embedded.
Ernest Rutherford (1911) – “Nuclear Model”
o Gold foil experiment.
o Atom has a dense, positively charged nucleus.
o Electrons orbit around the nucleus.
Niels Bohr (1913) – “Planetary Model”
o Electrons move in fixed paths or energy levels around the nucleus.
Erwin Schrödinger & Werner Heisenberg (1926) – “Quantum Mechanical Model”
o Electrons move in regions called electron clouds, not fixed orbits.
o Most accurate and widely accepted model today.
3. Subatomic Particles
Proton – positively charged, located in the nucleus, mass = 1 amu (Atomic Mass Unit)
Neutron – no charge, located in the nucleus, mass = 1 amu.
Electron – negatively charged, located in electron cloud, very small mass.
Activities
Activity 1: Timeline of Atomic Models
Arrange the following scientists in chronological order:
1. Bohr
2. Dalton
3. Democritus
4. Schrödinger
5. Thomson
6. Rutherford
Activity 2: Concept Check
Fill in the blanks:
7. The indivisible particle proposed by Democritus was called ___________.
8. The electron was discovered by ___________.
9. The __________ model compares the atom to planets orbiting the sun.
10. The most modern atomic model is the __________ model.
Activity 3: Think and Reflect
Why is it important for scientists to keep improving atomic models?
How do the changes in the atomic theory show the importance of experiments in science?
Multiple Choice:
11. Who proposed that atoms are indivisible solid spheres?
a. Thomson b. Dalton
c. Rutherford d. Bohr
12. Which experiment led to the discovery of the nucleus?
a. Cathode Ray Tube b. Gold Foil Experiment
c. Oil Drop Experiment d. Double Slit Experiment
13. Which subatomic particle has a negative charge?
a. Proton b. Neutron
c. Electron d. Nucleus
14. The current model of the atom is known as:
a. Plum Pudding Model b. Planetary Model
c. Quantum Mechanical Model d. Billiard Ball Model
WRITE: True or False
_____ 15. Electrons are heavier than protons.
_____ 16. The nucleus contains both protons and neutrons.
_____ 17. Electrons are found in fixed paths around the nucleus.
_____ 18. The neutron has no charge but has mass.
_____ 19. Democritus believed that matter is made up of tiny indivisible particles called atomos.
_____ 20. Aristotle’s idea that matter is made of earth, air, fire, and water was accepted for over 2,000
years.