Atomic models

Science

Definition

Atomic models are scientific representations of the structure of atoms that have evolved over time. Major models include Dalton's solid sphere, Thomson's plum pudding, Rutherford's nuclear model, Bohr's planetary model with quantized orbits, and the modern quantum mechanical model with electron probability clouds (orbitals).

Examples

  • Rutherford's gold foil experiment disproved the plum pudding model by discovering a dense, positively charged nucleus
  • Bohr's model successfully explained the hydrogen emission spectrum using quantized energy levels
  • The quantum mechanical model describes electrons as probability distributions (orbitals) rather than fixed orbits
Key Fact

Dalton (1803) → Thomson (1897) → Rutherford (1911) → Bohr (1913) → Quantum Mechanical (1926+).

Related Terms

Electron configuration Subatomic particles Quantum basics Periodic trends

Study This Concept

Practice atomic models with free review games in these units:

AP Chemistry Unit 1: Atomic Structure and Properties Chemistry Unit 1: Matter and Atomic Structure