PS.3 The student will investigate and understand the modern and historical models of atomic structure. Key concepts include
the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr in understanding the atom
the modern model of atomic structure
Atomic Structure
The atom is the basic building block of matter and consists of subatomic particles (proton, neutron, electron, and quark) that differ in their location, charge, and relative mass.
Protons and neutrons are made up of smaller particles called quarks.
Size at the atomic level is measured on the nanoscale.
Scientific
Contributions
Many scientists have contributed to our understanding of atomic structure.
Scientists use models to help explain the structure of the atom.
Their understanding of the structure of the atom continues to evolve.
Two models commonly used are the Bohr and the “electron cloud” (Quantum Mechanics) models.
The Bohr model does not depict the three-dimensional aspect of an atom, and it implies that electrons are in static orbits.
The “electron cloud” model better represents our current understanding of the structure of the atom.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
CONTRIBUTIONS
describe the historical development of the concept of the atom and the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and other scientists (Schrödinger).
compare the Bohr atomic model to the electron cloud model with respect to its ability to represent accurately the three-dimensional structure of the atom.
ATOMIC PARTICLES
differentiate among the three basic particles in the atom (proton, neutron, and electron) and their charges, relative masses, and locations.
