Atomic Theory Scavenger Hunt
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Since 400 B. C. philosophers and scientists have investigated what makes up the world around us - atoms.
Through discoveries made by philosophers, chemists, & physicists, the model of the atom has changed over
time. Your assignment is to research the major contributors and significant discoveries that have impacted
the development of atomic theory and to create a timeline of these events.
TASKS:
1) Using Science In Context, Match your assigned scientists/philosophers with their contributions below.
(NOTE: you are identifying one box of contributions for each scientist/philosopher)
Scientist Contributions
Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom like the planets orbit
the sun
Electrons travel in specified energy levels and produce
spectrum lines as they move
Atomos = indivisible
First to describe the possibility of atoms
Atoms are solid, infinite, and the smallest pieces of matter
Measured the charge of an electron
Performed the oil drop experiment
Completed experiments with Thomson
Discovered the electron
Performed the cathode ray experiment
Electrons similar to waves and particles
A group of waves was named after him
Showed mathematically that waves can be used to describe
electrons in atoms
Determined the most probable location of electrons in atoms
Atoms can emit quanta (quantum waves)
Father of modern atomic theory
Elements are composed of atoms
An element’s atoms are identical in mass
Developed the “Uncertainty Principle,” stating it is impossible
to determine the position and momentum of a particle at the
same time
Discovered the neutron
Helped develop the Nuclear Model
Only 4 elements: earth, fire, air, water
Rejected Democritus'' idea of the atom as “worthless”
Performed the gold foil experiment
Atoms have a small, positively charged nucleus surrounded
by empty space
2) Be prepared to share the information about your scientists with other people.
1
2
Democritus of Adbera
Max Planck
James Chadwick
Aristotle
Ernest Rutherford
Erwin Schrodinger
3
4
John Dalton
Neils Bohr
Louis de Broglie
J. J. Thomson
Robert Millikan
Werner Heisenberg