Who were the key scientists in the development of atomic theory?

Who were the key scientists in the development of atomic theory?

The development of atomic theory involved several key scientists, including John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr. Each contributed significantly to our understanding of atomic structure.

What did John Dalton contribute to atomic theory?

John Dalton proposed the first modern atomic theory in the early 19th century. He suggested that all matter is made up of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible particles. He also introduced the idea that atoms of different elements have different weights.

How did J.J. Thomson change our understanding of the atom?

J.J. Thomson discovered the electron in 1897 through his experiments with cathode rays. This led to the realization that atoms are not indivisible, as Dalton proposed, but contain smaller particles.

What was Rutherford's gold foil experiment?

Rutherford's gold foil experiment, conducted in 1909, involved firing alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold. He observed that while most particles passed through, some were deflected at large angles, leading to the conclusion that atoms have a small, dense nucleus.

Can you explain Niels Bohr's model of the atom?

Niels Bohr proposed his model of the atom in 1913, suggesting that electrons orbit the nucleus in fixed paths or energy levels. This model introduced the idea of quantized energy levels, which helped explain atomic spectra.