Questions and Answers
According to the particle theory, what is true about the particles of one substance?
Aristotle accepted the atomic model of Democritus.
False
What was the goal of the alchemists?
To change base metals into valuable ones, discover new elements, and find a universal solvent and the elixir of life.
The Greek philosopher who proposed that matter was composed of four elements: ______________, water, fire, and air.
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Who is known as the Father of Modern Chemistry?
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Alchemists were the first people to perform hands-on experimentation.
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What did Robert Boyle help lay the foundation for?
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Match the following ancient Greek philosophers with their contributions:
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Study Notes
Particle Theory of Matter
- All matter is composed of particles that are constantly in motion.
- There are spaces between these particles.
- Particles of one substance differ from particles of another substance.
- Forces of attraction exist among particles.
Ancient Greek Philosophers
Empedocles (490-430 BCE)
- Proposed that matter is composed of four elements: Earth, water, fire, and air.
Democritus (460-370 BCE)
- Suggested that matter is made up of tiny particles called "atomos" that cannot be broken down further.
Aristotle (384-322 BCE)
- Rejected the atomic model and adopted Empedocles' "four element" model, which dominated scientific thinking for almost 2000 years.
Alchemists
- Performed hands-on experimentation, combining philosophy, mysticism, magic, and chemistry.
- Believed that some elements could be changed into others.
- Attempted to change base metals into valuable ones like gold, discovering new elements in the process.
- Searched for the "elixir of life", a substance that would grant eternal life.
- Sought a universal solvent that could dissolve all substances.
Modern Chemists
Scientific Method
- Developed in the 17th and 18th centuries, focusing on determining the properties of pure substances and explaining their composition.
Sir Francis Bacon (1600s)
- Developed new knowledge through experimentation, one of the first scientists to do so.
Robert Boyle (1650)
- Believed the Greek philosophers' "four element" theory could be improved.
- Helped lay the foundation for concepts of elements and compounds.
- Recognized that elements can be combined to form compounds.
Antoine de Lavoisier (1743-1794)
- Known as the Father of Modern Chemistry.
- Defined an element as a pure substance that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances.
- Discovered and identified 23 elements.
- Based his investigations on careful measurements and observations.
- Recognized that mixtures exist and identified air as a mixture of oxygen and other gases.
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Description
Discover the ancient Greek philosophers' views on matter, including Empedocles' four-element theory. Learn about the composition of matter, particles, and their properties.
