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Explore the early models of the atom developed by Democritus and John Dalton. Understand their ideas regarding the indivisible nature of atoms and their role in chemical reactions. Learn how Dalton transformed Democritus's ideas into a scientific theory.
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Atomic Structure Chapter 4
Section 4.1 – Defining the Atom Introduction • The lab technician shown here is using a magnifying lens to examine a bacterial culture in a petri dish. • When scientists cannot see the details of what they study, they try to obtain experimental data that help fill in the picture.
1. Early Models of the Atom • An atom is the smallest particle of an element that retains its identity in a chemical reaction. • All matter is composed of atoms. • Democritus’s Atomic Philosophy • The name atom is based on the Greek word “atomos”, which means indivisible. • Democritus believed: • That atoms were indivisible and indestructible. • That the atoms differed in size and shape • Were in constant motion in a void, • Collided with each other; and during these collisions, could rebound or stick together. • Therefore, changes in matter were a result of dissociations or combinations of the atoms as they moved throughout the void Democritus
Early Models of the Atom (cont.) • Democritus’s ideas were limited because they didn’t explain chemical behavior and they lacked experimental support. • Aristotle said empty space did not exist & rejected Democritus • He said matter was composed of the elements EARTH, WATER, AIR, & FIRE • Dalton’s Atomic Theory • The modern process of discovery regarding atoms began with John Dalton, an English chemist and school teacher (1766-1844). • By using experimental methods, Dalton transformed Democritus’s ideas on atoms into a scientific theory.
Early Models of the Atom (cont.) • The result was Dalton’s Atomic theory. • All elements are composed of tiny indivisible particles called atoms. • Atoms of the same element are identical. • The atoms of any one element are different from those of any other element. • Atoms of different elements can physically mix together or can chemically combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds. • Chemical reactions occur when atoms are separated, joined, or rearranged. • Atoms of one element are never changed into atoms of another element in a chemical reaction. • His model of the atom was called the “billiard ball” model.
