A student studying early atomic models notes that J.J. Thomson used his cathode ray tube findings, which revealed negatively charged particles with a mass thousands of times smaller than a hydrogen atom, to propose an entirely new model of the neutral atom. Thomson reasoned that since matter is normally electrically neutral and these subatomic electrons carry negative charge, there must be a compensating positive charge. Based on Thomson's experimental discoveries and reasoning, which of the following statements correctly describes how he accounted for mass, charge, and structure in his atomic model?

A) An atom consists of a dense central core of positive charge that contains all the mass, with electrons orbiting at vast distances.

B) An atom is an indivisible solid sphere of uniform mass that carries an alternating surface charge depending on its chemical state.

C) An atom is a diffuse sphere of uniform positive charge and mass throughout which individual negatively charged electrons are embedded.

D) An atom is composed of concentric shells of alternating positive and negative charges that neutralize each other layer by layer.

Thomson's model Transitional Reasoning Download PDF

Chemistry · Atomic Structure · Chemistry · Models of the Atom

1 Chemistry practice questions on Thomson's model. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

Atomic Structure · Chemistry

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