Chem 1A Extra Credit: 100 Points Essay Write A 2-Page Essay

Chem 1aextra Credit 100 Pointsessaywrite A 2 Page Essay Double Spac

Write a 2 page essay, double-spaced, on chemist and their theory(s) on the atom. Choose one of the following chemists: JJ Thompson, John Dalton, or Ernest Rutherford. The essay must include an introductory paragraph, thesis statement, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Additionally, there are options for extra credit, such as dressing in character and delivering a 3-minute presentation, creating a project inspired by the chemist (poster, 3-D model, T-shirt, or video), conducting an in-class experiment with the class, or inviting a chemist to talk about their profession.

Paper For Above instruction

The atomic theory has evolved significantly over centuries, shaped by the groundbreaking work of pioneering chemists. Among the most influential scientists in this progression are John Dalton, JJ Thomson, and Ernest Rutherford. Each of these chemists contributed uniquely to our understanding of the atom, shaping modern atomic theory through their experiments and hypotheses. This essay explores the contributions of one of these chemists, highlighting their specific theories and how their work advanced the scientific understanding of atomic structure.

John Dalton, an English chemist born in 1766, is best known for developing the first modern atomic theory. Dalton proposed that all matter is composed of indivisible atoms, which are uniform and indestructible. His atomic theory was based on empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Dalton's model suggested that atoms of different elements varied in weight, leading to the development of atomic weights. His ideas provided a systematic basis for chemical reactions, emphasizing the conservation of mass and the idea that atoms combine in specific ratios to form compounds. This theory laid the groundwork for future atomic models and provided a framework for understanding chemical bonds and reactions (Dalton, 1803).

JJ Thomson, a British physicist, made a revolutionary discovery in 1897 when he identified the electron using cathode-ray tube experiments. His plum pudding model depicted the atom as a sphere of positive charge embedded with negatively charged electrons. Thomson's work challenged the notion of atoms as indivisible particles, revealing instead that atoms contain smaller charged particles. The discovery of electrons was critical for refining atomic models, emphasizing the subatomic nature of atoms. Although Thomson's model was later revised, it was a pivotal step in understanding atomic structure and led to the development of more detailed models incorporating protons and neutrons (Thomson, 1897).

Ernest Rutherford is renowned for his gold foil experiment conducted in 1909, which led to the conception of the nuclear model of the atom. Rutherford proposed that an atom consists of a small, dense nucleus containing positively charged protons, around which negatively charged electrons orbit. His findings demonstrated that most of the atom's mass is concentrated in the nucleus, with the surrounding space being mostly empty. Rutherford's model explained phenomena such as atomic stability and radioactivity, fundamentally altering the perception of atomic structure and paving the way for quantum mechanics and the modern atomic model (Rutherford, 1911).

Each of these scientists contributed pivotal ideas that transformed the atomic theory: Dalton's foundational atomic concept, Thomson's identification of electrons, and Rutherford's nuclear model. Their collective work provided the basis for quantum mechanics and modern chemistry. Understanding their theories helps us appreciate the complexity and dynamism of atomic science, impacting fields from medicine to materials science. These discoveries underscore how scientific progress builds cumulatively, with each scientist adding a crucial piece to the puzzle of understanding matter at its most fundamental level.

References

• Dalton, J. (1803). A New System of Chemical Philosophy.
• Thomson, J. J. (1897). Cathode rays. Philosophical Magazine, 44(269), 293-316.
• Rutherford, E. (1911). The Scattering of α and β Particles by Matter and the Structure of the Atom. Philosophical Magazine, 21(125), 669-688.
• Gribbin, J. (2002). Q Is for Quantum: An Encyclopedia of Particle Physics.
• Tipler, P. A., & Llewellyn, R. (2017). Modern Physics (5th ed.).
• Krane, K. S. (1988). Introductory Nuclear Physics. Wiley.
• Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2014). Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics.
• Moore, J. W., & Pearson, R. G. (2012). Chemistry: The Molecular Science.
• McQuarrie, D. A., & Simon, J. D. (1997). Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach.
• Chang, R., & Goldsby, K. (2019). Chemistry (13th ed.).