3.1.4

Models of the Atom

Test yourself

The Model of the Atom

Our understanding of atoms has improved over time. The models that we have used to understand atoms have also changed.

Illustrative background for Thomson's plum pudding modelIllustrative background for Thomson's plum pudding model ?? "content

Thomson's plum pudding model

  • In 1897, an English physicist called J. J. Thomson discovered electrons.
  • He modelled the atom as a 'plum pudding' - a ball of positive charge (dough), with negatively charged electrons (currants) mixed in with the 'dough'.
Illustrative background for Rutherford's nuclear modelIllustrative background for Rutherford's nuclear model ?? "content

Rutherford's nuclear model

  • In 1909, Ernest Rutherford discovered that alpha particles could bounce back off atoms.
  • He concluded that an atom's mass is concentrated in the atom's centre. This was called the "nucleus" and it contained positively charged particles called protons.
Illustrative background for The modern modelIllustrative background for The modern model ?? "content

The modern model

  • Niels Bohr discovered that electrons orbit (fly around) the nucleus at fixed distances.
  • In 1932, James Chadwick discovered that some particles in the nucleus have no charge at all. He called them neutrons.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson