(Q3) 3-The Concept of Atom in Ancient Times

Which of the following describes atomism?

• Atomism is a field of science that studies atoms as an isolated system of electrons and an atomic nucleus.

• Atomism is a natural philosophy that states that atom is the smallest particle of matter that represents a particular element.

• Atomism is a field of science that is primarily concerned with the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus.

• 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.

Which of the following were the Greek scholars who believed that matter could be divided into tiny particles until such point where it can no longer be divided anymore?

• Aristotle and

  Empedocles

• Leucippus and

  Democritus

• Aristotle and Democritus

• Leucippus and Empedocles

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.

Which of the following were Democritus’ and Leucippus’ ideas on atoms?

• The atoms are stationary in a void that surrounds them.

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

• The atoms are heterogeneous, with internal structures.

• The atoms are nothing to do with matters around us.

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.

Which of the following early ideas of the atom tells you that an atom has no parts?

• Atoms are made of the same material.

• Atoms are completely solid.

• Atoms are homogeneous in nature.

• Atoms are continuously moving.

Answer explanation

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

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

• Atoms are the smallest particles of matter.

• Atoms cannot be divided further.

• Atoms are continuously moving in a void.

• 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.

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?

• Atoms are continuously moving in a void.

• Atoms are made of the same material but different shapes and sizes.

• Atoms can combine with other atoms.

• 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.

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?

• Atoms cannot be divided further.

• Atoms are continuously in motion.

• Atoms are small and compact particles.

• Atoms can combine with other atoms to form different materials.

Answer explanation

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

Atomic physicists and chemists view the atoms using a tool called electron microscope. This microscope uses a beam of electrons to magnify the image with great resolution.

Which early idea on the atom can be inferred from this scenario?

• Atoms can combine with other atoms to form molecules or compounds.

• Atoms are continuously moving in an empty space or void.

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

• Atoms are made of the same material with different shapes and sizes.

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.

Why did Aristotle strongly oppose the concept of atoms?

• He thought that believing in atoms would mean putting restrictions on the gods.

• He believed that everything in the universe was made up of elements, not atoms.

• He believed that atoms exist, but they were not the fundamental particles of matter.

• He thought that molecules, not atoms, were the smallest particles in the universe.

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.

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.