The Model so Far . . .
Scientists perform experiments in order to learn about the natural world. They analyze
the data they collect in order to explain various observations. Recall that explanations of
scientific phenomena, known as theories, are most useful when they make reliable
predictions. Oftentimes, scientists create models to describe, explain and predict
phenomena within natural world.
Throughout this chemistry course, we will create and refine a series of models to explain
our observations. As we make new observations and analyze new data, we will find that
we either need a new model or we need to add features to our current model in order for
it to maintain its usefulness. You will find that the progression of the models created in
our class mirrors the progression of the atomic theory from its roots in philosophy to its
modern forms.
The first model of the atom was proposed by Democritus and closely resembles the
model we've used throughout Unit 1. As we progress through this course, you should use
this packet to keep track of the features of our models of particle behavior as well as the
scientists who first proposed such models.
Democritus
Features of the model include . . .
Dalton
Additions to the model include . . .
Curie
Additions to the model include . . .
Modeling Chemistry
1
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Thomson
Additions to the model include . . .
Milikin
Additions to the model include . . .
Rutherford
Additions to the model include . . .
Bohr
Additions to the model include . . .
Quantum
Additions to the model include . . .
Modeling Chemistry
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