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Key Figures in Atomic Theory

The document outlines key contributions to atomic theory by several scientists. Ernest Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus and proposed the Rutherford model, while Niels Bohr introduced energy levels for electron orbits. John Dalton established the atomic theory, JJ Thomson discovered the electron and proposed the plum pudding model, and Democritus suggested that matter consists of indivisible atoms.

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6 views1 page

Key Figures in Atomic Theory

The document outlines key contributions to atomic theory by several scientists. Ernest Rutherford discovered the atomic nucleus and proposed the Rutherford model, while Niels Bohr introduced energy levels for electron orbits. John Dalton established the atomic theory, JJ Thomson discovered the electron and proposed the plum pudding model, and Democritus suggested that matter consists of indivisible atoms.

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angela.eng
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●​ Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937): Ernest was a pioneering physicist from New

Zealand who discovered the atomic nucleus and developed the Rutherford model of the
atom.
○​ Atomic nucleus: Through his famous gold foil experiment, Rutherford discovered
that the atom's mass and positive charge are concentrated in a tiny, dense
central nucleus, with electrons orbiting it.
●​ Niels Bohr(1885-1962): he discovered the structure of the atom by proposing a
model where electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels or orbits, and that
electrons can jump between these levels, emitting photons of light in the process.
●​ John Dalton(1766-1844): He introduced atomic theory to chemistry, which stated that
matter is made of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
○​ Atomic Theory: Dalton was the first to propose that matter is made of atoms,
which are unique to each element and have specific weights. He also established
key principles like atoms being indivisible and indestructible and combining in
simple ratios to form compounds.
●​ JJ Thomson (1856-1940): He discovered the electron in 1897 through experiments
with cathode rays. He also proposed the "plum pudding" model of the atom, where
negatively charged electrons are embedded in a sphere of positive charge. His discovery
proved that atoms are not indivisible.
○​ Plum pudding model: In 1904, he proposed this model of the atom, which
depicted it as a positively charged "soup" with electrons dispersed within it.
○​ First discovery of an isotope: Thomson's work with mass spectrometry led him to
the discovery of the first isotope.

●​ Democritus: Atomic Theory which proposed that all matter is made of tiny, indivisible,
and indestructible particles called atoms moving in a void. He is considered one of the
founders of modern science for this contribution, which suggested that differences in
things like shape and color are due to the arrangement of these atoms.

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