How the Atomic Model Developed Through Experiments
Part of Atomic Structure — GCSE Chemistry
This how it works covers How the Atomic Model Developed Through Experiments within Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Atomic Structure in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 25 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 4 of 13 in this topic. Use this how it works to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 13
Practice
25 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
⚙️ How the Atomic Model Developed Through Experiments
Each change in the atomic model was driven by new experimental evidence — a perfect example of how science works. The plum pudding model predicted that alpha particles fired at a thin sheet of gold foil should pass straight through with minimal deflection, since the positive charge was thought to be spread evenly throughout the atom. But Rutherford's 1909 gold foil experiment showed that most particles passed straight through (confirming mostly empty space), while a small number deflected at large angles — and some even bounced directly back. This could only be explained if the positive charge was concentrated in a tiny, dense region: the nucleus. Bohr then refined this by showing electrons orbit in defined energy levels, not randomly. Each experiment gave unexpected results that forced scientists to revise their model — this is the scientific method in action.