Dalton, Rutherford, and Thomson

Throughout time there have been multiple different scientists who have tried to identify the structure of the atom. The ones that we have learned about are: Dalton, Rutherford, and JJ Thomson. The differences between these men are the experiments they did to identify their findings, and what exactly they identified. All together these men have contributed to the current atomic model.

The current atomic model is elaborated in this site:
 http://www.particleadventure.org/modern_atom.html


Dalton: When Dalton was distinguishing the atomic structure, he did not find much about the actual structures appearance but rather the make up of it. This is what created his Atomic Theory.


JJ Thomson: In Thomson's experiment he used a cathode ray tube to show that the atoms of any element emit particles with a negative charge (the electrons). He also identified that there was a distinct border around the atom that consisted of a sphere of positive charges. This model is known as the chocolate chip model.

Rutherford: In Rutherford's experiment he used the Gold Foil Experiment. In this he instered Alpha particles and watched as the protons repelled. With this experiment he identified the border of the atom and discovered the nucleus.