atomic theory

Other forms: atomic theories

Definitions of atomic theory

1. noun

   a theory of the structure of the atom
   types:

   Bohr theory

   (physics) a theory of atomic structure that combined Rutherford's model with the quantum theory; electrons orbiting a nucleus can only be in certain stationary energy states and light is emitted when electrons jump from one energy state to another

   Rutherford atom

   first modern concept of atomic structure; all of the positive charge and most of the mass of the atom are contained in a compact nucleus; a number of electrons (equal to the atomic number) occupy the rest of the volume of the atom and neutralize the positive charge

   type of:

   scientific theory

   a theory that explains scientific observations
2. noun

   (chemistry) any theory in which all matter is composed of tiny discrete finite indivisible indestructible particles
   “the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus held atomic theories of the universe”

   synonyms: atomism, atomist theory, atomistic theory

   type of:

   theory

   a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena