Structure of the Atom and the Periodic Table

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the structure of atoms and the historical discoveries that shaped atomic theory.

What does the term 'atomos' mean in Greek?

Uncuttable.

Who proposed the organized atomic theory in the early 1800s?

John Dalton.

What is one of the key postulates of Dalton's atomic theory that still holds true today?

All matter consists of tiny particles called atoms.

Why does postulate two of Dalton's atomic theory not hold true today?

Because of radioactivity, as atoms can be divided.

What did Eugene Goldstein discover in the cathode ray tube experiments?

He discovered positively charged particles, which were later termed protons.

Who discovered the electron and in what year?

J.J. Thompson in 1897.

What does the mass-to-charge ratio (M/Z) signify?

The relationship between the mass of a particle and its charge.

What was Robert Millikan known for in relation to the electron?

He determined the charge of the electron through his oil drop experiments.

Describe the plum pudding model of the atom proposed by J.J. Thompson.

Electrons are distributed throughout a positively charged sphere.

What is radioactivity?

The spontaneous emission of high-energy radiation and particles.

What significant experiment did Ernest Rutherford conduct?

The gold foil experiment.

What did Rutherford's gold foil experiment reveal about atomic structure?

The presence of a dense nucleus with positive charge.

Who is credited with the discovery of the neutron, and how did he identify it?

James Chadwick, by bombarding beryllium with alpha particles and observing neutral particles.

What are the three main components of the nuclear atom?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

In what region of an atom are electrons located?

Outside the nucleus.

Explain the analogy used to compare the size of a nucleus to the size of an atom.

If the nucleus were a football, the whole atom would be the stadium.