Atomic Theory-Explaning the nature of universe

 What is the atomic theory?

The universe, the world with in it, humans, and everything else are matter. The terms material, physical, or matter are used interchangeably. Atomic theory attempts to explain what is matter. Or what makes up matter? Thus, atomic theory is the fundamental theory of science.

What about the non-material entities?

In general, we perceive the material things around us and consider the universe to be mainly material. However, non-material aspects such as soul, spirit, ghosts, and gods are asserted in religion. The science has not dealt with this area, however scientists are taking interests in subjects, which at present considered non-material phenomena.

Are there alternative theories to atomic theory to describe matter? No credible competing scientific theories that I know of exist.

What are the basic ideas of the atomic theory of matter?

  • The universe and the world within it is material or matter only.
  • Matter is composed of elemental items called atoms.
  • Different kinds of elements such as helium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen composing matter have different kinds of atoms.
  • There are about 100 pure elements as organized in the periodic table, they and their compounds make up the entire universe.
  • Different kinds of atoms differ mainly in size and in internal organization or their sub-atomic particle number and organization.
  • Atoms are made up of particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Particles are made up "quarks". (this is where the current research stands!)

    How do we know atoms are the building blocks of matter?

    Consider a forest. A forest is composed of trees grown in clusters. A tree consists of leaves, branches, trunks, root and so forth. Similarly, matter is composed of atoms.

    How do we know what atoms consist of or the structure of the atom to this detail, when we can't see them?

    The structure of the atom has bee intensely studied, and continue to be studied. Extensive literature exists as to the development of atomic theory. Key figures who contributed to the development include: Democritus, Epicurus, Asklepiades, Galileo Galilei, Robert Boyle, Issac Newton, John Dalton, Antonie Lavoisier, Joseph Lousi Proust, J.J. Thompson, Ernest Rutherford, and Bohr.

    Chemical reactions, firing charged particles and studying the scattering particles, and experiments involving accelerators are three of many methods to study the structure of atoms. I do not want to further discuss this question now.

    Do you think there is some fundamental element beyond which we cannot further break down?

    I don't know. I don't know to what extent the matter can be broken down, and be analyzed. The question is for meta-physicist and physicist to answer.

    What exactly are particles?

    Particles make up atoms, thus matter. The protons and neutrons form the core or the nucleus of an atom, where most of the mass is concentrated. Electrons spin around the nucleus like a cloud as shown in the Figure 1.

    The mass and charge associated with particles are as follows:

    Particle
    Mass (Kg)
    Charge
    Charge (Columbs)
    Protons 1.673 x 10 ^ -27 positive charge +1.602 x 10 ^ -19
    Neutrons 1.675 x 10 ^ -27 neutral 0
    Electrons 9.109 x 10 ^ -31 negative charge -1.602 x 10 ^ -19


    Note that mass of electron is about 1836 times lighter than proton or neutron.

    What is a charge?
    (Continuity question)