atomic theory

atomic theory

n.

The physical theory of the structure, properties, and behavior of the atom.

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atomic theory

n

1. (Physics / Atomic Physics) any theory in which matter is regarded as consisting of atoms, esp that proposed by John Dalton postulating that elements are composed of atoms that can combine in definite proportions to form compounds

2. (Physics / Atomic Physics) the current concept of the atom as an entity with a definite structure See atomic structure

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	atomic theory - a theory of the structure of the atom scientific theory - a theory that explains scientific observations; "scientific theories must be falsifiable" atomic physics, nuclear physics, nucleonics - the branch of physics that studies the internal structure of atomic nuclei 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
	2.	atomic theory - (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" atomist theory, atomistic theory, atomism 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; "theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses"; "true in fact and theory" chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions