Atomic Models and Discoveries

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What was the primary focus of James Watson's doctoral research?

Viral Studies (correct)

Zoological Classification

Human Genome Mapping

The structure of DNA

Which of the following best describes Watson's role in the Human Genome Project?

He did not have any involvement in this project.

He was a primary data analyst for the project.

He was involved in the project's funding.

He served as the lead director for the project. (correct)

Where did Watson and Crick's collaboration on virus construction take place?

At Harvard University

In California

At the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge (correct)

At Indiana University

Besides teaching, which area did Watson make another substantial contribution while at Harvard?

Molecular Research (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about James Watson's enrollment at the University of Chicago?

He enrolled at an unusually young age. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of Rutherford's gold foil experiment on the developing atomic model?

It demonstrated the existence of a dense, positively charged nucleus and disproved the plum pudding model. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the major contribution of Niels Bohr to the development of the atomic model, building upon Rutherford's work?

He introduced the idea that electrons occupy specific energy levels and can transition between them by absorbing or emitting quanta. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Rutherford's experiments involving the bombardment of light elements with alpha particles provided evidence for the existence of which particle?

Protons, by observing the release of hydrogen nuclei. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Rutherford's work lead to the discovery of the proton and the understanding of the nucleus?

By identifying that the hydrogen nucleus was a fundamental building block for all nuclei. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is credited with the discovery of the neutron particle?

James Chadwick, while working under Rutherford's supervision. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Rutherford's Atomic Model

Rutherford's model proposed that atoms are primarily composed of empty space, with a dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons. This model contradicted the earlier 'plum pudding' model.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay is called the half-life. It's a constant for each radioactive isotope and is independent of factors like temperature or pressure.

Bohr's Quantum Model

Electrons in atoms can occupy only specific energy levels, called shells. Each shell corresponds to a fixed distance from the nucleus, and electrons can move between these shells by absorbing or emitting energy.

Proton

The nucleus of the simplest element, hydrogen, is called a proton. It carries a positive charge and was discovered when Rutherford bombarded nitrogen and other light elements with alpha particles.