Atomic Theory Timeline
Introduction
The model of the atom has changed from the early Greek model due to evidence from several scientific
experiments and observations. Older models were modified or improved upon as warranted by these new
evidences. The objective of this project is to look at the main atomic models and the scientists involved with
their development and create a timeline to depict the development of the atomic theory. Your timeline will
include more than the scientists mentioned in your textbook, however, you should give special attention to
these scientists and their experiments because they will be on your test.
Task
You and the members of your group (of 4 ) will use the sources provided to develop a timeline that includes
key scientists and experiments associated with the development of modern atomic theory. The timeline
should include the complete names, profession, nationality, lifespan, and pictures of the scientists, a brief
description of their accomplishments, pictures of experimental equipment or atomic models, and dates
(time) of their contribution. Include the 3 scientific laws from section 3.1 that led Dalton to his theory.
Process
I.
II.
Read the entire Process
Begin your research by using your textbook (Chapter 3 and the CP (Red) Chemistry Text –
Chapter 4) and the links provided in the resource section of the handout to complete a
research data sheet for each of the following scientists, experiments, and atomic models:
Democritus*
Aristotle*
John Dalton*
J.J. Thomson*
Ernest Rutherford*
Robert Millikan*
Niels Bohr
Irene Joliot-Curie
James Chadwick
III.
Cathode Ray Experiment*
Oil Drop Experiment*
Gold Foil Experiment*
Dalton's Atomic Theory*
Modern Atomic Theory*
Plum Pudding Plum
Atomic- Model
Rutherford Model
Quantum MechanicalModel
Prepare a timeline:
1. It should include information (Personal information on scientists – Complete name,
profession, Nationality, Lifespan) presented in chronological order and pictures of
scientists and atomic models to illustrate your information. (Placed below the
timeline)
2. In 1-2 sentences tell the importance of the discovery that relates to the structure of
the atom (some of these people did many types of research) Place this above the
timeline.
A timeline is in chronological order – earliest time to latest time. Because you are going to keep your comments to 1-2 sentences, a graph or
report will not be appropriate.
Resources
Biography /reference Bank @ Power Library
http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/advancedsearch/advanced_search.jhtml;hwwilsonid=C5NHUDGJZED3ZQA3DIN
CFGGADUNGIIV0?prod=BIORB
Atom - The Incredible World http://library.thinkquest.org/19662/low/eng/index.html
The Atom - Info and Democritus, Plum Pudding, Rutherford Models
http://www.lbl.gov/abc/wallchart/chapters/02/1.html
History of the electron http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjhome.htm
JJ Thompson http://www.aip.org/history/electron/jjelectr.htm
Timeline http://www.rsc.org/Chemsoc/Timeline/index.asp
Brainpop http://www.brainpop.com/science/matter/atomicmodel/
Atomic Theory 1: The early days http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=50
Atomic Theory 2: Electrons in Atoms http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=51
Schrodinger quantum mechanical model
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Sciences/Chemistry/Generalchemistry/Atomic/Electronicstructure/Atomicstructu
re/Schrodinger/Schrodinger.htm
The Bohr Atom. N. De Leon http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/modern-atomic-theory/Bohr-model.html
Leucippus and Democritus http://www.thebigview.com/greeks/democritus.html
Dalton's Atomic Theory. Hal Bender http://dl.clackamas.cc.or.us/ch104-04/dalton's.htm
Dalton's Atomic Theory. N. De Leon http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/composition/dalton.html
Interactive Atomic Theory Timeline http://www.softschools.com/timelines/atomic_theory_timeline/95/
Atomic Structure Timeline http://atomictimeline.net/index.php
Timeline of Atomic Theory http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/64984
Conclusion : After completing your projects you should be able to:
1) Demonstrate an understanding of the present model of the atom by identifying the parts of the
atom, the subatomic particle charges, and the relative location of each particle.
2) Demonstrate your knowledge of the history of the atomic theory by constructing a chronological
order of events