INTRODUCTION
TO
ATOMIC MODELS
Intorduction
An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of
an element. It consists of three main parts :
1- Protons (positively charged particles)
2- Neutrons (neutral particles)
3- Electrons (negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus)
History of Atom
All atoms share the same basic structure
During past 200 years, Scientists have proposed
different Models
The name "atom" comes
from the Greek word
"atomos", meaning
"indivisible"
The idea of the atom came
from the ancient Greek
philosopher Democritus. He
proposed that all matter is
made up of tiny, indivisible
particles called "atomos,"
Democritus (c. 460–370 BCE)
Timeline of Atomic Models
Democritus Dalton’s Atomic Rutherford’s Bohr’s Model
Propose the 1st Theory (1803) Model (1911) (1913)
atomic thoery
460 - 370 1877- 1844 1871- 1937 1885- 1962
Timeline of Atomic Structure
Democritus' atomic model:
Indivisible Particles: Matter is composed of tiny, indivisible
particles called "atomos."
Empty Space: Atoms move through empty space (void).
Infinite Variability: Atoms differ in size, shape, and weight.
Indestructibility: Atoms are eternal and cannot be destroyed or
altered.
Combination: Atoms combine in various ways to form different
materials
Dalton’s Atomic Model
• Indivisible Atoms: All matter is made of tiny, indivisible particles
called atoms.
• Identical Atoms: Atoms of the same element are identical in
mass and properties.
• Different Elements: Atoms of different elements have different
masses and properties.
• Fixed Ratios: Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to
form compounds.
• Conservation: Atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical
reactions; they are rearranged.
Rutherford’s Atomic Model
• Nucleus: The atom has a small, dense, positively charged center
called the nucleus.
• Electrons: Electrons orbit around the nucleus, like planets around
the sun.
• Mostly Empty Space: Most of the atom is empty space, allowing
particles to pass through.
• Gold Foil Experiment: Rutherford discovered this by shooting
alpha particles at thin gold foil and observing their behavior.
• Limitations: The model couldn’t explain the stability of electron
orbits or atomic spectra.
Rutherford’s Atomic Model
Bohr's Atomic Model
• Electron Orbits: Electrons move around the nucleus in fixed
paths called orbits or energy levels.
• Energy Levels: Each orbit has a specific energy, and electrons
cannot exist between these levels.
• Energy Absorption/Emission: Electrons jump to higher or lower
energy levels by absorbing or emitting energy as light.
• Nucleus: The nucleus is at the center, containing protons and
neutrons.
• Explains Atomic Spectra: Bohr’s model explained why atoms
emit light at specific wavelengths (spectral lines).
Bohr's Atomic Model
Thank
You !
