Comparison of Atomic Theories & Models

“Who?” “What?” “How?” Atom Model (See Reverse for

Experimental and Logic Evidence to Support
Scientist(s) Contribution to Atomic Theory Contribution
Image)
• Atoms cannot be broken down or destroyed Law of Definite Proportions Infinitesimally small speck with no
• All atoms of an element have the same properties internal structure.
• Atoms of different elements have different phys. and Law of Conservation of Mass
Dalton chem. properties
• Atoms of diff elements combine in simple whole- Law of Multiple Proportions
number ratios to form compounds
• Chemical reactions rearrange atoms
Electrons… Cathode Ray Tube “Plum pudding” model with positive
• have mass • Paddle wheel set in motion stuff holding together the small
• have mass that is really small • Mass of cathode plates didn’t change much electrons.
Thompson • are negatively charged • Went towards positive side of magnetic field
• are a part of every atom • Happened using any metal and any gas

Atoms are mostly empty space. Gold Foil Dense center called nucleus where
Atoms have very dense centers and will contain most of • Most alpha particles went through foil the positive protons are kept.
atom’s mass. • Some particles bounced back Electrons are spread around it.
• Electrons are negative and small, dense part must be
Protons… positive
• are positively charged
Rutherford
• more massive than electrons Neutron Logic:
(and others) • Mass of atoms are greater than mass of protons and
Neutrons… electrons. Must be another particle with neutral
• neutral particles in atom center about the same mass charge.
as protons • Protons stay together and make a dense nucleus
• minimize electronic repulsion of protons

Spectroscopy studies showed that the electrons could
only be in discrete orbits around the nucleus and that they
could absorb a quantum of energy to get to the next level.
Bohr When they dropped down in energy they released a
photon of light.
Spectroscopy studies and mathematical calculations that Dense center where the protons and
perfectly described the Hydrogen Atom. neutrons were with electrons orbiting
around in a circular motion like
planets around the sun.

Currently accepted model of the atom. Electrons in Dual nature of light, photoelectric effect, Einstein & Nucleus has protons & neutrons but
orbitals around the nucleus. Probability fields where they Planck’s studies. electrons exhibit wave like properties
Quantum
reside 90% of the time. and do not circle the nucleus like
Mechanics Bohr thought.