The development of the modern concept of the atom, the size and nature of an atom and the ideas on sub-atomic particles

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Assignment 1

The development of the modern concept of the atom, the size and nature of an atom and the ideas on sub-atomic particles

Introduction

Throughout the ages the study of what we call today chemistry has evolved into a highly developed point of study. One distinct element of chemistry is atomic theory. Throughout the ages atomic theory has been developed and extended by many different men who were all well-known chemists and physicists in their day. They developed the study of atoms from pure conjecture into known facts. The five atomic theories of the past two centuries represent the sudden advancement of science in modern times. Beginning with a basic theory on the behavior of atoms to the current model, some changes have been made, and some ideas are still the same.

Ancient Greek philosophers believed that everything was made up of invisible particles called atmos. Since then the theory of atoms did not progress until 1803. John Dalton was the first scientist to compose a theory of matter base on atoms. Dalton's atomic theory is based on four concepts. He stated: "1. All elements are composed of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible