Accelerated Chemistry: Democritus, Dalton, & Other Atomic Dead Guys

These flashcards cover key concepts and contributions of scientists to atomic theory, including significant experiments and the descriptions of subatomic particles.

Democritus

An ancient Greek philosopher who first theorized that everything is made up of indivisible particles called 'atoms'.

Dalton's Atomic Theory

Proposed that matter is made up of indivisible atoms, and different types of atoms make up different elements.

Gold Foil Experiment

An experiment conducted by Rutherford that demonstrated the existence of a small, dense nucleus within the atom.

Cathode Ray Tube Experiment

An experiment by J.J. Thomson that discovered the electron by showing that cathode rays are made of negatively charged particles.

Subatomic Particles

Particles that make up atoms, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle found in the electron cloud surrounding the nucleus.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Aristotle's Theory

A belief that everything is made up of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire.

Thomson's Model

Also known as the 'Plum Pudding Model', it proposed that electrons are embedded in a positive 'soup'.

Rutherford's Model

A nuclear model of the atom that suggested a dense nucleus surrounded by electrons.