atomic theory: Quick Facts

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Diagram of the Rutherford atomic model for a neon atom, showing electrons orbiting a central nucleus. An inset magnifies the nucleus, depicting clustered protons and neutrons.

Understanding John Dalton's atomic theory of matter

How scientists discovered atoms

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Topics

atom Atomism atomic physics subatomic particle radioactivity isotope periodic table magnetic resonance atomic model fundamental force atomic weight Rutherford model

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Key People

Neils Bohr

Niels Bohr

Danish physicist

John Dalton

John Dalton

British scientist

Hans Bethe.

Hans Bethe

American physicist

Democritus

Democritus

Greek philosopher

Italian physicist Guglielmo Marconi at work in the wireless room of his yacht Electra, c. 1920.

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