Table of Contents
Who discovered that matter is empty space?
Ernest Rutherford
In 1911, a British scientist named Ernest Rutherford discovered that an atom is mostly empty space. He concluded that the positively charged particles are contained in a small central core called the nucleus.
Who said everything is made of tiny particles surrounded by empty space?
Democritus
Democritus (460 – 370 B.C.) Democritus was a Greek philosopher who proposed the idea that matter is made of tiny, indivisible, indestructible particles that he called atomos, from which the English word atom (meaning indivisible) is derived.
What did Democritus say?
The theory of Democritus held that everything is composed of “atoms,” which are physically, but not geometrically, indivisible; that between atoms, there lies empty space; that atoms are indestructible, and have always been and always will be in motion; that there is an infinite number of atoms and of kinds of atoms.
Who said empty space Cannot exist?
Aristotle said that empty space cannot exist and that matter is made of Earth, fire, air and water.
Who is the first person to suggest that all matter is made of tiny particles?
2,500 years ago, Democritus suggested that all matter in the universe was made up of tiny, indivisible, solid objects he called “atomos.” However, other Greek philosophers disliked Democritus’ “atomos” theory because they felt it was illogical.
Who discovered alpha particles?
Discovered and named (1899) by Ernest Rutherford, alpha particles were used by him and coworkers in experiments to probe the structure of atoms in thin metallic foils.
Who rejected Democritus idea of empty space?
Aristotle rejected Democritus’ idea of the atom. In fact, Aristotle thought the idea was ridiculous. Unfortunately, Aristotle’s opinion was accepted for more than 2000 years, and Democritus’ idea was more or less forgotten.