The Historical Development of Atomic Theory

Which scientist provided a foundation for John Dalton’s work on the atomic structure?

• Robert Millikan

• Joseph Proust

• Ernest Rutherford

• J. J. Thomson

Which scientist is credited with developing the first scientific atomic theory?

• John Dalton

• Joseph Proust

• Ernest Rutherford

• J. J. Thomson

How did the development of the earliest idea about atoms differ from the later work of scientists?

• It was based on sound evidence.

• There were explanations for the idea.

• It was based on the thoughts of an early philosopher.

• There were experiments conducted to support the idea.

From his experiments, J. J. Thomson concluded that

• cathode ray particles can move at very fast speeds.

• cathode ray particles can be moved by electric current.

• atoms contain small positively charged particles that are called protons.

• atoms contain small negatively charged particles that are called electrons.

Which best describes the effect of J. J. Thomson’s discovery?

• The accepted model of the atom was changed.

• The accepted model of the atom was supported.

• Cathode ray tubes were no longer used in experiments due to poor results.

• Cathode ray tubes became the only instrument of use in the study of atoms.

Which atomic model was proposed as a result of J. J. Thomson’s work?

• the plum pudding model

• the indivisible atom model

• an atom that had a lot of empty space

• an atom that had a concentrated nucleus

Which particle is J. J. Thomson credited with discovering?

• electron

• neutron

• proton

• photon

Which statement is most likely true?

• Ernest Rutherford’s experiment led to the nuclear model of the atom.

• Ernest Rutherford’s experiment established the plum pudding model of the atom.

• Robert Millikan’s postulates form the most accepted theory for the atomic structure.

• Robert Millikan’s results had little impact on determining of the charge of an electron.

Which conclusion could be made from Ernest Rutherford’s gold foil experiment?

• Atoms are made up of mostly empty space.

• Atoms are mainly solid and block alpha particles.

• The volume of the nucleus is large compared to the rest of the atom.

• The mass of the nucleus is small compared to the rest of the atom.

What did Ernest Rutherford’s gold foil experiment demonstrate about atoms?

• Their positive charge is located in a small region that is called the nucleus.

• Their negative charge is located in small particles that are called electrons.

• Their nucleus makes up the majority of the volume of the atom.

• Their electrons are floating in a sea of positive charges.