Explore Ancient Philosophers' Views on Atoms

Front

Which of the following describes atomism?

Back

Atomism is a natural philosophy that states that nature is composed of two basic principles: atom and void.

Answer explanation

Atomism is a natural philosophy that developed in ancient Greece. It states that nature is composed of two basic principles: atom and void.

Front

Which Greek scholars believed matter could be divided into tiny particles until it can no longer be divided?

Back

Leucippus and Democritus

Answer explanation

Democritus of Abdera (460 - 370 BCE) and his teacher Leucippus of Miletus (c.500 BCE) were Greek scholars who believed that matter could be divided into tiny particles until such point where it can no longer be divided anymore.

Front

Democritus’ and Leucippus’ ideas on atoms?

Back

The atoms are completely solid such that there is no void inside them and repel each other when they collide.

Answer explanation

According to Leucippus and Democritus, the atoms are completely solid which means that there is no void or empty space inside that will make them prone to disintegration or destruction. These atoms are continuously moving in a void that surrounds them, repelling each other when they collide, or combining into clusters.

Front

Which early idea of the atom suggests it has no parts?

Back

Atoms are homogeneous in nature.

Answer explanation

According to Ancient Greeks, atoms are homogeneous in nature and has no internal parts.

Front

Which early idea of the atom explains that the atoms of the air are different from the atoms of a rock?

Back

Atoms have different shapes and sizes.

Answer explanation

A certain material has its own set of atoms. The shapes and sizes of these atoms determine the property of the material.

Front

Tom found a small piece of limestone. He smashed it with a mallet until it turned into fine powder. The powder no longer decreases in size no matter how long and hard he smashes it. Which early idea on the atom can be inferred from this scenario?

Back

Atoms cannot be divided further.

Answer explanation

According to Leucippus and Democritus, there is a limit to which a material can be broken down. They said that matter is made up of atoms which can no longer be divided further.

Front

While working in a science lab, Jane passes electricity in a mixture of two compounds. After few minutes, she is able to create a new material from the mixture. Which early idea on the atom can be inferred from this scenario?

Back

Atoms can combine with other atoms to form different materials.

Answer explanation

Atoms combine with each other into clusters, producing different materials.

Front

Which early idea on the atom can be inferred from the use of an electron microscope to view atoms?

Back

Atoms are small particles that cannot be seen with the unaided eye.

Answer explanation

Atoms are very small that they cannot be seen by the unaided eye. Scientists use powerful tools such as electron microscopes to view the atoms.

Front

Which of the following ancient ideas on atoms are still considered true today?

• Atoms are completely solid, with no empty space inside.
• Atoms may differ in size and weight.
• Atoms are indestructible and unchangeable.
• Atoms are homogeneous, with no internal structure.

Back

Atoms may differ in size and weight.

Answer explanation

The modern atomic theory describes atoms as the basic constituent of matter that represents a particular element. Different elements have different kinds of atoms.