In 1898, which scientist proposed that the atom is a sphere of positively charged matter
In 1898, which scientist proposed that the atom is a sphere of positively charged matter in which negatively charged electrons are embedded
- A) Earnest Rutherford
- B) Max Planck
- C) J.J Thomson
- D) Robert Millikan
Correct Answer: C) J.J Thomson
Explanation
In 1898, JJ Thomson proposed a structure for the atom which had a positively charges spheres (+) in which negatively charged electrons (-) were embedded. Thomson knew that atoms had an overall neutral charge. Therefore, he reasoned that there must be a source of positive charge within the atom to counterbalance the negative charge on the electrons. This led Thomson to propose that atoms could be described as negative particles floating within a soup of diffuse positive charge. This model is often called the plum pudding model of the atom, due to the fact that its description is very similar to plum pudding, a popular English dessert