History of the Atomic Theory
Cameron Hickox PAP Chemistry Mrs. Montgomery 10/12/10 Cameron Hickox PAP Chemistry Mrs. Montgomery 10/12/10 The discovery of the existence and structure of atoms was a step-by-step process and compilation of theories by multiple people. Contributions from John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, Eugene Goldstein, Ernest Rutherford, Neils Bohr, and James Chadwick provided the structure of the atom that is still known today. In 1803, John Dalton published his theory of the existence of atoms. His theory was based on a system of five postulates: All matter has particles. Atoms are indestructible and unchangeable. Elements are characterized by the mass of their atoms. When elements react, atoms combine in simple, whole number ratios.