Atomic Model - GCSE Chemistry Definition

The atomic model is a theoretical framework that describes the structure and behaviour of atoms, which are the fundamental building blocks of matter. In GCSE Chemistry, it primarily refers to the evolution of scientific understanding about atoms, from Dalton's solid sphere model to the more advanced Bohr model.

Dalton's early 19th-century model depicted atoms as indivisible particles, but later discoveries revealed that they consist of a dense nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in defined energy levels or shells.

The atomic model helps explain chemical reactions, bonding, and periodicity by illustrating how the arrangement and behaviour of electrons influence an element's properties. Understanding this model is crucial for students to grasp how different elements interact and form compounds.