The document explores the evolution of atomic and elemental concepts from ancient Greece to the present, detailing contributions by prominent scientists and alchemists. It discusses the foundational ideas of the atom as proposed by Democritus and the four basic elements (earth, water, air, fire), as well as the impact of alchemy on modern chemistry. Additionally, it explains significant advancements in understanding atomic structure, experimental methods, and the development of laboratory techniques and tools.

1. ATOMS AND
ELEMENTS
Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias, Inc. – Senior High School
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Physical Science
UNIT 2: How the idea of the atom, along
with the idea of the elements evolved
Prepared By: Lord William B. Pacurib, LPT

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. How the concept of the atom evolved from
Ancient Greek to the present
2. How the concept of the element evolved
from Ancient Greek to the present
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3. OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the ideas of the Ancient Greeks on the atom (S11/12PS-IIIa-b-5)
2. Describe the ideas of the Ancient Greeks on the elements (S11/12PS-IIIa-b-
6)
3. Describe the contributions of the alchemists to the science of chemistry
(S11/12PS-IIIb-7)
4. Point out the main ideas in the discovery of the structure of the atom and its
subatomic particles (S11/12PS-IIIb-8)
5. Cite the contributions of J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, Henry Moseley,
and Niels Bohr to the understanding of the structure of the atom (S11/12PS-
IIIb-9)
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4. OBJECTIVES
6. Describe the nuclear model of the atom and the location of its major
components (protons, neutrons, and electrons) (S11/12PS-IIIb-10)
7. Explain how the concept of atomic number led to the synthesis of new
elements in the laboratory (S11/12PS-IIIb-11)
8. Write the nuclear reactions involved in the synthesis of new elements
(S11/12PS-IIIb-12)
9. Cite the contribution of John Dalton toward the understanding of the concept
of the chemical elements (S11/12PS-IIIc-13)
10. Explain how Dalton’s theory contributed to the discovery of other elements
(S11/12PS-IIIc-14)
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5. THE GREEK CONCEPTION OF THE ATOM
Back in ancient Greece, around 400 BC, a guy named
Democritus came up with this wild idea about the
smallest, tiniest bits of everything in the universe. He
called them "atoms," which in Greek means
"indivisible." Basically, Democritus thought that
everything around us, whether it's air, water, or even
humans, is made up of these tiny, invisible particles
called atoms.
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6. THE GREEK CONCEPTION OF THE ELEMENTS
Earth: They believed earth was heavy and solid, making up things like rocks and
dirt.
Water: Water was seen as wet and fluid, forming lakes, rivers, and seas.
Air: Air was light and invisible, filling up the space around us.
Fire: Fire was hot and transformative, seen in flames and as a source of energy.
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The Ancient Greeks had also an idea about everything being made up of four basic
elements. They thought that these elements were the building blocks of everything in
the universe.

7. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
Alchemy was a blend of science, philosophy,
and mysticism practiced mainly during the
Middle Ages. Alchemists sought to transform
base metals (like lead) into noble metals (like
gold), discover a universal cure for diseases, and
find the elixir of life for immortality.
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What is Alchemy?

8. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
Alchemists were the pioneers of many techniques we still use in chemistry today. For
example:
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Development of Laboratory Techniques
Distillation: Separating liquids based on their boiling points.
Filtration: Removing solids from liquids.
Sublimation: Changing a substance from a solid to a gas without passing
through the liquid state.
Crystallization: Forming solid crystals from a solution.

9. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
Alchemists discovered many substances that are now common in chemistry, such as:
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Discovery of Substances
Acids: Strong liquids that can dissolve metals (like sulfuric acid).
Bases: Substances that can neutralize acids (like lye).
Alcohols: Like ethanol, used in drinks and as a solvent.

10. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
While alchemists were wrong about turning lead into
gold, they did pave the way for understanding that
substances can be broken down into simpler forms.
They worked with what they called the "four
elements" (earth, air, fire, water), which, though
incorrect, inspired the search for true elements like
hydrogen, oxygen, and iron.
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The Concept of Elements

11. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
While alchemists were wrong about turning lead into
gold, they did pave the way for understanding that
substances can be broken down into simpler forms.
They worked with what they called the "four
elements" (earth, air, fire, water), which, though
incorrect, inspired the search for true elements like
hydrogen, oxygen, and iron.
Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias, Inc. – Integrated School
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The Concept of Elements

12. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
Alchemists were among the first to use systematic
experiments to test their theories. This approach is
the bedrock of the scientific method used in
chemistry and other sciences today.
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Experimental Approach
Philosophical Influence
Alchemy wasn't just about experiments. It was also
about understanding the nature of matter and
transformation. This philosophical thinking led to the
idea that substances are made of atoms and molecules,
a fundamental concept in modern chemistry.

13. CONTRIBUTION OF ALCHEMY TO CHEMISTRY
They invented or improved many tools used in laboratories, such as:
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Instruments and Tools
Flasks and beakers: For mixing and heating substances.
Funnels: For pouring liquids without spilling.
Mortar and pestle: For grinding solids into powders.

14. MODELS OF THE ATOM
Main Idea: The modern quantum model describes that
electrons don't orbit the nucleus in fixed paths but are
found in "clouds" where they are likely to be.
Simple Explanation: The idea now is that the
electrons are not on fixed shelves but are buzzing
around in a cloud around the core, and you can only
guess where they might be at any given time.
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The Modern Quantum Model