Theoretical Change and Daltons Atomic Theory

Flashcards covering key concepts of theoretical change and Dalton's atomic theory, including definitions of scientific laws, theories, experimental principles, and historical atomic models.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on facts confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Scientific Law

A statement that describes what happens in a given situation, typically expressed as a mathematical equation.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation.

Experiment

A controlled method of testing a hypothesis.

Law of Conservation of Mass

The principle that mass is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions.

Law of Constant Proportion

A law stating that a chemical compound always contains the same elements combined in the same proportion by mass.

Dalton's Atomic Theory

A theory stating that all matter is made of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible, and that atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.

Subatomic Particles

Particles smaller than an atom, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Plum Pudding Model

J.J. Thomson's atomic model proposing that negatively charged electrons are embedded in a positively charged 'pudding'.

Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment

An experiment demonstrating that most of an atom is empty space, leading to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.

Chadwick's Neutron Discovery

The discovery of neutrons as neutral particles in the nucleus of an atom, which account for much of the atom's mass.

Bohr's Atomic Model

A model proposing that electrons move in fixed orbits around the nucleus, with energy levels corresponding to the size of the orbit.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons.

Atomic Mass

The mass of an atom, primarily determined by the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Falsifiable

A hypothesis or theory that can be proven false through evidence or experimentation.