HISTORY OF THE ATOMIC MODEL 

A ​scientific model​ is a representation of an idea, an object or a process that is used to
describe complex phenomena in a simplified way. Models are central to what scientists
do, as they help communicate ideas, explain observations, and guide new predictions.

In c​ hemistry​ and p
​ hysics​, the a
​ tomic model​ is a ​scientific theory​ of the nature of m
​ atter​, which states
that matter is composed of discrete units called a ​ toms​. It began as a philosophical concept in ancient
Greece and has changed tremendously throughout the years as new experiments on atoms were
performed and new technologies to observe atoms were invented. ​As more and more evidence has been
collected, the atomic model has steadily improved over time by the contribution of many great thinkers.

The table that follows describes the main atomic models that have been developed throughout history,
which follows the basic timeline shown below.

Major Atomic Models Throughout History

Scientist Description Diagram

In the 5th century BCE, Greek philosopher ​Democritus​ developed

the first idea of the ​atom.​ He proposed that if a substance, like a
stone, could be cut in half continuously a point would be reached
where the piece couldn’t be cut any further. Democritus proposed
that matter was made of tiny spheres called ​atomos​, Greek for
indivisible​. He also proposed that atoms of different materials
differed in size and shape, atoms were in constant motion, and that
atoms could combine with each other. Although Democritus’ ideas
were remarkable, they were rejected by Aristotle, the most influential
Democritus philosopher in ancient Greece, and his theory was ignored for nearly
2000 years.

In 1808, English school teacher​ John Dalton​ developed the ​solid

sphere model​ of the atom. Unlike Democritus’ model, Dalton’s was
the first based on experimental data. Dalton performed hundreds of
experiments and was precise in weighing the masses of the starting
substances and ending substances. Dalton noticed that a new
substance always formed in strict mathematical ratios. His theory
stated that atoms are indivisible spheres, atoms of one ​element​ are
John identical, atoms of different elements are different, and ​compounds
Dalton are combinations of different types of atoms in set proportions.
Scientist Description Diagram

In 1897, English physicist ​J.J. Thomson ​developed the​ plum

pudding model o ​ f the atom.​ ​ Thomson performed experiments with
cathode ray tubes and showed that the rays were made of tiny,
negatively-charged particles that he called ​electrons​. This was the
first time anyone proved the existence of ​subatomic particles​.
Thomson realized that the current model of the atom didn’t involve
charged particles, so he proposed a new model that looked like an
J.J. English plum pudding (similar to raisin bread). The plum pudding
Thomson model featured negative electrons, represented by the raisins,
embedded in a positive material, represented by the dough.

In 1911, English physicist ​Ernest Rutherford​ developed t​ he

nuclear model​ of the atom. A former student of J.J. Thomson,
Rutherford performed experiments where he directed a beam of
positively-charged alpha particles at a thin piece of gold foil. While
most alpha particles went through the foil as expected, Rutherford
was surprised to see some particles deflected at an angle and a few
ricochet straight back. Rutherford proposed that the atom is mostly
Ernest empty space, with a dense, positively-charged ​nucleus​ and
Rutherford negatively-charged electrons surrounding it.​ ​In 1919, Rutherford
discovered positively-charged particles that he called ​protons​.

In 1913, Danish physicist N ​ iels Bohr,​ developed the p ​ lanetary

model​ of the atom. Bohr, a student of Ernest Rutherford, used
Rutherford’s experimental data to show that electrons a ​ re arranged in
concentric circular orbits, similar to planets in a solar system. Each
orbit is associated with a different quantity of energy; e​lectrons in
orbits closer to the nucleus have less energy while electrons in orbits
further from the nucleus have greater energy. Bohr also proposed
Neils that electrons can jump from a lower orbit to a higher one if they
Bohr absorb energy and give off energy when they jump from a higher
orbit to a lower one.

In 1926, Austrian physicist E​ rwin Schrödinger​ developed the

quantum model​ of the atom. Schrödinger used complex
mathematics to show that electrons don’t actually move in set orbits
around the nucleus, but move as waves. He stated that it was
impossible to know the exact location of electrons and proposed a
model of the atom with a central nucleus surrounded by an ​electron
cloud​. Where the cloud is most dense, the probability of finding the
Erwin electron is highest; where the cloud is least dense, the probability of
Schrödinger finding an electron is the lowest.

In 1932, English physicist ​James Chadwick​ added to the quantum

model of the atom by discovering a new subatomic particle.
Chadwick, another student of Ernest Rutherford, performed an
experiment where he bombarded beryllium nuclei with
positively-charged alpha particles. When he did this, Chadwick
observed a new kind of radiation, which he interpreted as being
made of subatomic particles equal in mass to protons with a neutral
James electric charge. Chadwick named this particle the ​neutron a
​ nd
Chadwick proposed that it existed in the nucleus alongside protons.

 
 SUMMARY - HISTORY OF THE ATOMIC MODEL (B)
Fill in the blanks (scientists, dates, and contributions) in the table below to create summary notes on the
different atomic models that have been developed. The first section has been done for you.
Model Scientist Date Contribution to the Atomic Model

● Greek philosopher who created the first idea of ​atoms​.

5​th
● Stated that matter is made of tiny uncuttable spheres called “atomos” which
Democritus Century is Greek for i​ ndivisible​.
BCE ● Atoms of different materials differed, atoms were in constant motion, and
atoms could ​combine​ with each other.

● English teacher who created the first true ________ ________.

_________ ● Performed experiments that found that substances always combined in strict
______________ ______________.
1808
● Stated that atoms are ____________ spheres, atoms of one element are
_________
____________, atoms of different elements are ___________, and
____________ are combinations of atoms.

● English physicist who created the ________ _________ model.

● Performed experiments that found cathode rays were made of
J.J. negatively-charged particles called __________ that were smaller than the
_____
Thomson atom; the first subatomic particle discovered.
● Stated that atoms were composed of negatively-charged electrons scattered
through a ball made of __________ charge.

● English physicist who created the __________ model.

_______ ● Performed experiments that shot positively-charged alpha particles at _____
foil; most went through but some scattered.
1911
_______ ● Stated that atoms were mostly _______________ with a dense,
positively-charged __________ with negatively-charged electrons surrounding
it. Discovered ____________ in 1919.

● Danish physicist who created the ____________ model.

● Used Rutherford’s data to show that electrons ​are arranged in circular
Neils ____________, similar to planets in a solar system​.
_____
Bohr ● Stated that electrons move around the nucleus in orbits based on their
__________. Electrons closer to the nucleus have ________ energy,
electrons further away have ________.

● Austrian physicist who created the ____________ model.

● Used complex math to show t​hat electrons don’t move in set orbits, but move
________ as ______________.
1926
________ ● Stated that atoms had a nucleus surrounded by an ________ ________. The
probability of finding an electron is ________ where the cloud is densest and
_______ where it is less dense​.

● English physicist who discovered the ____________.

● Performed experiments that shot positively-charged alpha particles at
James ________ and found a new kind of radiation.
_____
Chadwick ● Proposed that the radiation was made of subatomic particles called neutrons
equal in mass to __________ that had a __________ charge. Neutrons are
found in the ________.