ATM-001 · The quantum nature of radiation Sample material

The subject of atomic physics and its history

The subject of atomic physics, the history and stages of atomistic ideas, the scales of the microworld, fundamental constants and modern atomism.

Estimated time: 3 h 4 activities

Learning objective

Explain what atomic physics studies and how it is related to other sciences.
Know the main historical stages of atomism and the decisive experiments.
Learn to estimate the length, mass and energy scales of the microworld.
Master the use of fundamental constants (e, m_e, h, N_A, k, c) and atomic units.

Expected outcomes

Can state the order of magnitude of the sizes of an atom, a molecule, an electron and a nucleus.
Can estimate the size of an atom from the Avogadro number and the density of a substance; uses the electronvolt.
Can explain the historical significance of the experiments and ideas of Thomson, Millikan, Rutherford, Planck and Bohr.
Correctly uses the SI values of fundamental constants in calculations.

Interactive modelHistory of science: key discoveries
Interactive modelScales of the Universe

Activities

Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Scales of the microworld. Constants.
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Study of Millikan's experiment
Laboratory · 1 h 30 min · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Scales of the microworld. Constants.
  • Final test — at least 70%