Question detail
What did scientists believe about atoms before the discovery of subatomic particles?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
A simple model of the atom, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotopes
Question
- A. Atoms were made of smaller particles
- B. Atoms were indivisible spheres
- C. Atoms could change into other elements
- D. Atoms had no mass
Answer
Atoms were indivisible spheres
Explanation
Before the discovery of subatomic particles, the prevailing belief was that atoms were indivisible spheres.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Atomic Structure
Students often think that atoms can be divided into smaller parts, rather than understanding that early ideas proposed atoms were indivisible tiny spheres.
Emphasize that the early concept of atoms was that they were tiny spheres that could not be divided, and clarify that this idea has evolved with scientific discoveries.
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