Contributions to the Development of Models of the Atom
For this assignment, you will be doing some research about scientists who contributed to our current
understanding of the atom. There are many scientists whose discoveries paved the way for all of us
who study chemistry. You will work in groups and will be assigned one such scientist to research.
Ultimately, your goal is to become an expert in the contribution to the development of a model of the
atom that your scientist made in a way that your group can present to the rest of the class.
For each of the following scientists state:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
when your scientist was alive
the problem with the previous model
when your scientist contributed to the theory of the atom
the experimental design used (if any)
the evidence (data) that led to a change in the previous model
how each scientist developed a new atomic model that
i.
incorporated the new evidence OR
ii.
resolved a flaw in the previous model
7. the name and a drawing of the model
You should also find out some interesting tidbits about the scientist's life and weave those into your
knowledge. This is the one opportunity you have in chemistry to be colorful, so take advantage of it!
You’ll have a full class period to research your scientist and create a shared doc for use as a
reference for tomorrow’s reciprocal teaching.
Scientists:
Niels Bohr
James Chadwick
Ernest Rutherford
J.J. Thomson
Modified from ©Modeling Instruction - AMTA 2017
1
10 Web Quest v2
Useful URL’s
Timeline (View the proper sequence of the evolution of the model of the atom.)
● http://atomictimeline.net/index.php
Here is an overview (with some video clips) of the development of the modern model of the atom
● http://www.mysteryofmatter.net/into_atom.html
J.J. Thomson’s Model
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http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjhome.htm
http://www.atomicarchive.com/Bios/Thomson.shtml
https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/joseph-john-j-j-thomson
http://www.chemteam.info/AtomicStructure/Thomson-Model-Intro.html
E. Rutherford’s Model
● http://www.atomicarchive.com/Bios/Rutherford.shtml
● https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/ernest-rutherford
Here is a simulation that illustrates the Gold Foil experiment.
● http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/rutherford/
Which atomic model is used to illustrate the experiment ?
Why is this atomic model used instead of the Thompson’s (previous model)?
N. Bohr’s Model
● http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp13at.html
● http://chemistry.about.com/od/atomicstructure/a/bohr-model.htm
● http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/glossary/bohr_atom.html
What were the limitations of Rutherford’s atomic model that prompted Bohr to propose additional
features?
Contributors
● R. Millikan
http://www.juliantrubin.com/bigten/millikanoildrop.html
● H. Mosley
http://www.chemteam.info/AtomicStructure/AtNum-AtWtThread.html
http://www.mikeblaber.org/oldwine/chm1045/notes/Periodic/Develop/Period01.htm
http://www.chemteam.info/AtomicStructure/AtNum-Moseley.html
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/physics/physics-iv/atoms-and-nuclei/moseleys-law.php
● J. Chadwick
http://www.thocp.net/biographies/chadwick_james.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp32ne.html
http://www.vias.org/physics/bk2_05_05.html
Interesting related sites:
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http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjhome.htm
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=50
http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjelectr.htm
http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/l/leucippu.htm
Modified from ©Modeling Instruction - AMTA 2017
2
10 Web Quest v2