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Journey Through the Evolution of Atomic Models

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Lea S.

02/12/2025

Chemistry

Evolution of Atomic Models

152

2 Dec 2025

1 page

Journey Through the Evolution of Atomic Models

user profile picture

Lea S.

@leas._hrdq

Ever wondered how scientists figured out what atoms actually look... Show more

HISTORY OF THE ATOM A 20HAN
FIRST ATOMIC MODELS
atom - tiny particle of matter which make up everything
John Dalton
> 19th century
described

History of the Atom: First Atomic Models

You might think scientists have always known what atoms look like, but they've actually spent over a century piecing together the puzzle! An atom is simply a tiny particle of matter that makes up absolutely everything around you.

John Dalton kicked things off in the 19th century with a pretty simple idea. He reckoned atoms were just solid spheres - a bit like tiny snooker balls - and that different elements were made of different types of spheres. Not quite right, but it was a brilliant starting point!

Then JJ Thompson came along in 1897 and discovered something game-changing: atoms actually contain negatively charged particles called electrons. His famous 'plum pudding model' imagined the atom like a Christmas pudding - a positive 'dough' with negative electrons dotted throughout like raisins.

Ernest Rutherford completely flipped this idea in 1909 with his clever gold foil experiment. He fired positively charged particles at gold foil, expecting them to pass straight through Thompson's 'pudding'. Most did, but some bounced back completely! This led to his nuclear atom theory - a tiny, dense, positive nucleus at the centre with electrons and loads of empty space around it.

Quick Tip: Think of Rutherford's atom like our solar system - a central 'sun' (nucleus) with 'planets' (electrons) orbiting around it in mostly empty space!

Finally, the Bohr model refined things further by suggesting electrons live in fixed shells or orbits around the nucleus, each with specific energy levels. This model is pretty close to what we use today and helps explain loads of chemistry concepts you'll encounter later.



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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

152

2 Dec 2025

1 page

Journey Through the Evolution of Atomic Models

user profile picture

Lea S.

@leas._hrdq

Ever wondered how scientists figured out what atoms actually look like when they're way too small to see? The story of atomic models is like a detective story where each scientist built on previous clues to solve the mystery of... Show more

HISTORY OF THE ATOM A 20HAN
FIRST ATOMIC MODELS
atom - tiny particle of matter which make up everything
John Dalton
> 19th century
described

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History of the Atom: First Atomic Models

You might think scientists have always known what atoms look like, but they've actually spent over a century piecing together the puzzle! An atom is simply a tiny particle of matter that makes up absolutely everything around you.

John Dalton kicked things off in the 19th century with a pretty simple idea. He reckoned atoms were just solid spheres - a bit like tiny snooker balls - and that different elements were made of different types of spheres. Not quite right, but it was a brilliant starting point!

Then JJ Thompson came along in 1897 and discovered something game-changing: atoms actually contain negatively charged particles called electrons. His famous 'plum pudding model' imagined the atom like a Christmas pudding - a positive 'dough' with negative electrons dotted throughout like raisins.

Ernest Rutherford completely flipped this idea in 1909 with his clever gold foil experiment. He fired positively charged particles at gold foil, expecting them to pass straight through Thompson's 'pudding'. Most did, but some bounced back completely! This led to his nuclear atom theory - a tiny, dense, positive nucleus at the centre with electrons and loads of empty space around it.

Quick Tip: Think of Rutherford's atom like our solar system - a central 'sun' (nucleus) with 'planets' (electrons) orbiting around it in mostly empty space!

Finally, the Bohr model refined things further by suggesting electrons live in fixed shells or orbits around the nucleus, each with specific energy levels. This model is pretty close to what we use today and helps explain loads of chemistry concepts you'll encounter later.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user