1.1 Atoms and the Periodic Table

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key historical milestones in chemistry, atomic theory development, states of matter, and physical versus chemical properties based on the lecture notes.

Four elements theory

A theory proposed by Aristotle in 400 BCE.

Atomos

Indivisible particles proposed by Democritus in 400 BCE as the fundamental units of matter.

Alchemy (300-1600 CE)

A period characterized by the search for gold (transmutation), the philosopher's stone, and the elixir of life, which led to the development of laboratory techniques.

Robert Boyle (1661)

Author of The Sceptical Chymist who asserted that chemistry should be based on experiments.

Phlogiston theory

A theory proposed by George Stahl in the 1700s that was later disproved.

John Dalton's Atomic Theory (Early 1800s)

Proposed that matter is made of indivisible atoms, atoms of a given element are identical, and atoms combine in whole number ratios.

Berzelius (1818)

Chemist who introduced modern chemical symbols, such as $H_2O$ and $Na$.

Friedrich Wöhler (1828)

Chemist who synthesized urea, marking the birth of organic chemistry.

Dmitri Mendeleev (1869)

Developed the periodic table based on atomic weights.

Michael Faraday (Late 1800s)

Scientist who studied electrochemistry in chemistry.

J.J. Thomson (1897)

Discovered the electron and proposed the Plum pudding model of the atom.

Marie Curie (1898)

Discovered radioactivity alongside Pierre Curie.

Rutherford (1911)

Discovered the nucleus through the gold foil experiment.

Niels Bohr (1913)

Proposed the Bohr Model, which states that electrons move in fixed orbits.

Quantum Chemistry (1920s)

Field developed by Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Dirac.

Schrödinger (1926)

Proposed the quantum mechanical model of the atom, introducing electron clouds and orbitals.

Chadwick (1932)

Discovered the neutron.

Linus Pauling (20th Century)

Provided a quantum explanation of bonding and contributed to the development of biochemistry and polymers.

Modern Atomic Model (21st Century)

Model describing an atom containing protons and neutrons (with quarks inside) in the nucleus and electrons in quantum orbitals.

Solid

A state of matter characterized by having a definite shape and a definite volume.

Liquid

A state of matter characterized by having no definite shape, but a definite volume.

Gas

A state of matter characterized by having no definite shape and no definite volume.

Physical Properties

Properties that are readily observable or measurable without altering the composition or identity of a substance, such as density, color, and temperature.

Chemical Properties

Properties observed only after a chemical change has occurred, such as rusting, oxidation, or chemical reactions.

Extensive Properties

Properties that depend on the quantity of matter present, such as mass and volume.

Intensive Properties

Properties that are independent of the quantity of matter present, such as density, color, and boiling point.

Simple Laboratory Distillation Apparatus

A lab device where cool water circulates through the outer condenser to turn vapors into liquid, leaving the non-volatile component in the distilling flask.