Table of Contents
How was the atomic theory changed over time?
The atomic theory has changed over time as new technologies have become available. Scientific knowledge builds on past research and experimentation. 400 B.C. Democritus, a philosopher in ancient Greece, began the search for a description of matter.
What did modern discover about the atom?
Atoms have protons and neutrons in the center, making the nucleus, while the electrons orbit the nucleus. The modern atomic theory states that atoms of one element are the same, while atoms of different elements are different. Each element has its own characteristic atomic number.
Why did the theory of the atom change?
Rutherford’s experiment prompted a change in the atomic model. If the positive alpha particles mostly passed through the foil, but some bounced back. AND if they already knew that the electron was small and negative, then the atom must have a small positive nucleus with the electrons around them.
How has the understanding of the atom changed?
In chemistry and physics, the atomic theory explains how our understanding of the atom has changed over time. Atoms were once thought to be the smallest pieces of matter. However, it is now known that atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These subatomic particles are made up of quarks.
What was is their contribution to the development of the modern atom?
Modern atomic theory begins with the work of John Dalton, published in 1808. The best evidence for his theory was the experimentally verified law of simple multiple proportions, which gives a relation between the weights of two elements that combine to form different compounds.
What kind of impact did these findings about the inner workings of atoms have on technology?
What kind of impact did these findings about the inner workings of atoms have on technology? The discovery of the electron helped to spur technological development—televisions and computers, in particular—and arguably triggered a fundamental shift bringing science and technology closer together.
What is the importance of the development of atomic structure to modern world?
Atomic theory established that all matter is made of tiny particles, a discovery that led to amazing scientific breakthroughs in areas from modern chemistry to nuclear energy.
What effect can new evidence have on models?
New experimental evidence may lead to a scientific model being changed or replaced. Before the discovery of the electron, atoms were thought to be tiny spheres that could not be divided. The discovery of the electron led to the ‘plum-pudding model’ of the atom.
Why have ideas about atoms changed?
This atomic model has changed over time. Scientists used the model to make predictions. Sometimes the results of their experiments were a surprise and they did not fit with the existing model. Scientists changed the model so that it could explain the new evidence.