Atomic Theory

Cards (7)

  • The ancient concept of an atom began with the atom concept of Democritus
  • The four elements of matter are fire, air, water, and earth
  • Modern chemistry began with Dalton’s atomic theory, which states that:
    • All matter is composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms
    • All atoms of the same element are identical
    • Compounds contain atoms of different elements combined in whole-number ratios
    • Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction
  • Empedocles: fire, air, water, and earth - correct
    Anaximenes: fire - correct
    Democritus: atomos - correct
    Heraclitus: air - correct
    Dalton: billiard ball model - correct
  • Ancient concepts:
    • the concept of atomos
    • primal matter
    • Matter can be classified as air, water, fire, and earth
    • All atoms of a given element are identical
    • Atoms are indivisible
  • The ancient concept of an atom, started by Democritus, described atoms as indivisible particles. Dalton's concept of an atom, part of his atomic theory, states that all matter is composed of tiny, identical atoms that combine in whole-number ratios and are neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions
  • Modern concepts:
    • Dalton’s atomic theory
    • Atoms are neither created nor destroyed
    • Atoms can only be combined, separated, or rearranged
    • billiard ball model of an atom