Chapter 3

Atoms, Molecules and

Ions
Lesson 1 Development of the Modern
Atomic Theory

Reflection:
Since the ancient times, philosophers and
scientists had been asking, “What are things
made of?”
Development of the Modern Atomic
Theory

• Empedocles (490-435 B.C.) proposed the

concept of fire, air, water and earth to
explain the composition of matter.
• Aristotle (384-323 B.C.)proposed the
existence of a fifth element which he
called quintessence.
• Democritus (460-370 B.C.) came up with
a theory stating that everything is
composed of small indivisible particles
which he called atomos.
Development of the Modern Atomic
Theory

• John Dalton proposed that atoms have

fixed weights and definite properties.
• Sir William Crookes developed an
electrically discharged tube with vacuum.
His experiment about cathode rays helped
English physicist J.J. Thomson discover
the electron in 1897.
• Robert Millikan determined the charge of
an electron in 1909.
Development of the Modern Atomic
Theory

• Ernest Rutherford’s gold-foil experiment

helped him elucidate the existence of the
nucleus.
• Niels Bohr suggested that the total
energy of an electron is quantized.
Cathode Ray Tube
Plum pudding
Rutherford’s Gold foil experiment
Rutherford’s Nuclear Model
Basic Laws of Matter

• The modern atomic theory states that

matter is composed of small particles
called atoms, which possess quantum
properties.
• The basic laws of matter are fundamental
laws in the study of chemistry.
Basic Laws of Matter

• Law of Conservation of Mass

proposed by Antoine Laurent Lavoisier known
as the father of modern chemistry.
The law of conservation of mass states that
the mass of the products in a chemical reaction
will always be equal to the mass of the
reactants. Matter can neither be destroyed
nor created; no mass is lost in a chemical
reaction.
Example of Law of Conservation of Mass

2 H 2( g )  O2( g )  2 H 2O(l )
4(1.01) g  2(16.00) g  4(1.01) g  2(16.00) g
4.04 g  32.00 g  4.04 g  32.00 g
36.04 g  36.04 g

CH 4  2O2  CO2  2H 2O

16g 64g 44g ?g

Basic Laws of Matter

• Law of Definite Proportion

discovered by French chemist, Joseph
Proust.
when elements combine to form a given
compound, they do so in fixed and invariable ratio
by weight.
Example of Law of Definite Proportion

CO2 In 1mole of CO2 : 12.01 g C and 32.00 g O

In 2 moles of CO2: 24.02 g C and 64.00 g O
Atomic mass: In 3 moles of CO2: 36.03 g C and 96.00 g O
C  12.01
Therefore the ratio of C to O it will always give a
O  16.00 definite proportion.
32.00 g
in1moleofCO2 :  2.66
12.01g
64.00 g
in 2molesofCO2 :  2.66
24.02 g
96.00 g
in3molesofCO2 :  2.66
36.03 g
Basic Laws of Matter

• Law of Multiple Proportions

formulated by John Dalton
This law states that the masses of one
element which combine with a fixed mass of
the second element are in a ratio of whole
numbers.
Example of Law of Multiple Proportion

CO CO2
12.01gC  16.00 gO 12.01gC  32.00 gO
12.01gC 16.00 gO 12.01gC 32.00 gO
 
12.01gC 12.01gC 12.01gC 12.01gC
1gC  1.33 gO 1gC  2.66 gO
2.66
2
1.33
Dalton’s Atomic Theory

• The basic laws of matter served as the

basis for Dalton to formulate Dalton’s
Atomic theory.
Dalton’s Atomic Theory

1. Elements are composed of minute, discrete and indivisible

particles called atoms which maintain their identity in all
physical and chemical changes.
2. Atoms of the same element are identical in physical and
chemical properties, and have the same mass. Atoms of
different elements differ in physical and chemical properties
and have different masses.
3. The chemical combination of two or more elements consists
of the union of atoms of these elements in simple numerical
ratios to form the smallest possible unit particles of a
compound.
4. Atoms of the same element can unite in more than one ratio
to form more than one compound.