TITLE OF THE ARTICLE : THE STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

SOURCE: Early Atomic Theory

The atomic theory, which holds that matter is composed of tiny, indivisible
particles in constant motion, was proposed in the 5th cent. B.C. by the Greek
philosophers Leucippus and Democritus and was adopted by the Roman
Lucretius. However, Aristotle did not accept the theory, and it was ignored for
many centuries. Interest in the atomic theory was revived during the 18th cent.
following work on the nature and behavior of gases.

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/atom-developmentatomic-theory.html
SUMMARY:

Atoms consist of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, surrounded by

electrons that reside in orbitals. Orbitals are classified according to the
four quantum numbers that represent any one particular orbital's energy,
shape, orientation, and the spin of the occupying electron. The first
section of this SparkNote on Atomic Structure will focus on the electron
and the mechanism of describing electrons and their orbitals.
As we shall see in the second section, electrons fill up orbitals in a
systematic fashion, following the rules of the Aufbau principle. The
configuration of electrons in an atom play a vital role in chemistry.
Virtually every chemical process relies on the interactions of electrons
between atoms, most particularly on the tendency of atoms to follow the
octet rule, the tendency to gain a full valence shell electrons. In the
second section of this SparkNote, we will discuss the properties of
electrons, distinguishing between valence electrons and inner electrons,
then broadening the discussion into an examination of the properties of
electron conifgurations.
POINT OF AGREEMENT AND DISAGREEMENT:
With many of the problems of individual atomic structure and behavior now
solved, attention has turned to both smaller and larger scales. On a smaller
scale the atomic nucleus is being studied in order to determine the details of

its structure and to develop sources of energy from nuclear fission and fusion
(see nuclear energy), for the atom is not at all indivisible, as the ancient
philosophers thought, but can undergo a number of possible changes. On a
larger scale new discoveries about the behavior of large groups of atoms have
been made (see solid-state physics). The question of the basic nature of
matter has been carried beyond the atom and now centers on the nature of
and relations between the hundreds of elementary particles that have been
discovered in addition to the proton, neutron, and electron.

Unsurprisingly, given the importance electron configurations play in

determining the chemical and physical characteristics of an atom, atoms
with similar electron configurations also display similar characteristics. In
other words, much of the periodicity of the Periodic Table arises from
electron configuration.
IMPACT TO MY LIFE:

Democritus
Thought up Atomos (tiny, indivisible
particles)

Aristotle
Modified atomos theory stated that all
matter was made of four elements: earth,
fire, water, and air.

Antonie Lavoisier
First to use an analytical balance to
monitor chemical reactions. LAW OF
CONSERVATION OF MATTER.

Joseph Louis Proust

Formulated the LAW OF CONSTANT OR
DEFINITE PROPORTIONS

John Dalton
Modern Atomic Theory. Show
scientifically that the atom existed. (Law
of conservation of mass and the law of
constant composition)

J.J. Thomson
Determined that there are pieces of
atoms which resulted in them being
called Electrons.

William Thomson
"Plum Pudding" model.

Ernest Rutherford
Shot alpha rays through gold foil.
Thought of the Nucleus

Niels Bohr
Planetary Model

Planetary Model
Nucleus in the center and surrounding is
orbital shells that hold the atom's
electrons

Walter Bothe
Evidence of the neutron

James Chadwick
Discovered the Neutron

Law of Conservation of Matter

States that over the course of any
chemical reaction the total mass of the
system remains constant---Matter is
neither created nor destroyed in
chemical processes.

Law of Constant or Definite

Proportions
States that in a given compound, the
constitutive elements are always present
in a definite or fixed proportion by mass.