Development of the Atomic Theory

Before embarking on a discussion of the development of atomic theory, it is

important to distinguish between a theory and a law in science. A law is a
statement of an event or condition that has been observed so consistently over time
that the scientific community is convinced that it will always be this way. An
example of a law is the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that the mass of
the reactants always equals the mass of the products in a chemical reaction. A
theory, however, is a guess (with supporting evidence) about the underlying
principles which can explain a group of related observations.

Democritus (400 BC)

The Greek philosopher Democritus believed that matter is composed of tiny

indestructible particles which he called atoms (from the Greek word atomos,
meaning indivisible). This idea seems to have been motivated by the question of
how finely one can go on subdividing matter. While Democritus performed no
experiments and had little evidence for postulating the existence of atoms, his
theory survived the Dark Ages to be rediscovered in 1417.

The atoms in Democritus’ theory themselves remain unchanged, but move about in
space to combine in various ways to form all macroscopic objects. Early atomic
theory stated that the characteristics of an object are determined by the shape of its
atoms. So, for example, sweet things are made of smooth atoms, bitter things are
made of sharp atoms.

John Dalton (1766 - 1844)

In 1803, a schoolteacher named John Dalton reintroduced and expanded on the

theory of Democritus. Dalton was trying to explain the laws of chemical change.
His theory consisted of several statements:

1. All matter is made of tiny indivisible particles called atoms.

2. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed.

3. All atoms of a particular element are identical.

4. Compounds are formed through the combination of elements.

5. Chemical reactions occur when atoms in compounds join together or separate

to form new compounds.
Definitions:
Atom: the smallest particle of an element that still retains the identity and
properties of the elements.
Atomic number: refers to the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom of an
element.
Mass number: the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of one of its
atoms.
Atomic mass unit: a convenient unit of measure for subatomic particles. A proton
has a mass of about 1 u (1.67 x –24g).
Nucleus: the central core of an atom.
Proton: positively charged subatomic particle in the nucleus of the atom.
Neutron: uncharged sub-atomic particle in the nucleus of the atom.
Electron: fast-moving particles that occupy the space that surrounds the nucleus of
an atom.
Isotope: atoms of an element that have the same number of protons but different
numbers of neutrons.
Radioactivity: decay of the nucleus of an atom that releases subatomic particles
and energy.
Radioisotope: isotopes with unstable nuclei.

The Structure of the Atom

Particle Symbol Location in the Charge Mass

Atom (in g)
proton p+ inside the nucleus 1+ 1.67 x 10-24

neutron n0 inside the nucleus 0 (no charge) 1.67 x 10-24

electron e- around the atom 1- 9.02 x 10-28

Standard Atomic Notation:

Modern Atomic Theory – Update to Dalton

− The atom IS divisible
− Nuclear reactions can change atoms of one element into atoms of another
− Different isotopes of an element have different numbers of neutrons, therefore
different masses.
Practice Problem 1:
Fill in the missing information in the table below.

A
X
Z Element Number of Number of
Notation Protons Neutrons
11
5B boron 5 6
207
82 Pb Lead 82 125
184
74 W tungsten 74 110
4
2H helium 2 2
244
94 Pu Plutonium 94 150
56
26 Fe Iron 26 30
137
83 Bi bismuth 83 126
108
47 Ag Silver 47 61
20
10 Ne Neon 10 10

Chemistry 11 Textbook Problems p. 39