4.2 The Structure of an Atom - Interactive Models

Welcome to Atomic Models

Select a model below to explore how scientists discovered the structure of atoms

Understanding Atomic Structure

Dalton's theory suggested atoms were indivisible, but discoveries of electrons and protons proved otherwise
Scientists proposed various models to explain how electrons and protons are arranged within atoms
Each model built upon previous discoveries, gradually revealing the true nature of atomic structure

The Atomic Pioneers

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J.J. Thomson

1856 - 1940

First to propose an atomic model with internal structure. His "plum pudding" model showed electrons embedded in a positive sphere, proving atoms are electrically neutral.

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Ernest Rutherford

1871 - 1937

Discovered the atomic nucleus through the gold foil experiment. Showed atoms are mostly empty space with a dense positive center containing nearly all mass.

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Niels Bohr

1885 - 1962

Solved the stability problem by proposing electrons orbit in discrete energy levels. Electrons in these special orbits don't radiate energy, explaining atomic stability.