4) Objective Atthe end of the lesson, you should be able to describe the ideas ofthe Ancient Greeks on atoms, Can matter be infinitely divided into smaller particles?The Indivisible Atom Democritus of Abdera (450 - 370 8.C.) and his teacher Leucippus of Miletus (C.500 B.C) were Greek scholars who believed that matter could be divided into tiny particles until such point where it can no longer be divided anymore. They became the first proponents ofthe atomic theory. Their early ideas on atoms are summarized below. 4. all matter is made up of tiny, indivisible called atoms, which come from the Greek word atomas meaning uncuttable, The atoms are indestructible, impenetrable, and unchangeable. 2. The atoms make up the universe as they are continuously moving in 2 “void” that surrounds them, repelling each other when they colide or combining into clusters Atoms are completely solid which means that there is no void or empty space inside that will make them prone to disintegration or destruction Atoms are homogeneous in nature, They have no internal structures, Atoms come in different shai ‘These proposed ideas about atoms were supported by some Greek philasoohers but were strongly opposed by others especially Aristotle.Aristotle's Opposing View on Atoms Aristotle, Greek philosopher, had a cifferent view on atoms, He disregarded the existence of atoms proposed by Leucipous and Democritus, He cid not believe that matter is a collection of atoms. Instead, he believed that everything in the universe is made up of the four elements, ai, fre, water, and earth, He stated that believingin atoms would mean putting restriction on the gods, who have the power to divide elements smaller than the atom. Aristotle's beliefs greatly fiourisned especialy in the Middle Ages in Europe, where Roman Catholics were strongly influenced ‘oy nis ideas. They believed that ideas about the atoms equated to Godlessness, Thus, the whole concept of the atom was dismissed for centuries, However, the Greeks! conceot of atoms and even Aristotle's arguments were rediscovered in France at the start ofthe Renaissance period. The theory of Aristotle was proven incorrect. and Democritus’ end Leucipous' theory cn the existence of atoms was proven right,Q) Key Points « Democritus and Leucippus, ancient Greek philosoohers, first proposed the idea of the atom. # Their theory states that all matter is made ug of tiny, indivisiole particles called atoms. 4 They believed that the atoms are very small, have different shapes and sizes, are continuously moving. and can combine with other atoms. « Aristotle did not believe that matter is strictly a collection of atoms, and that matter can be made of air, fre, water, or earth, « Democritus idea on the existence of atoms was accepted, and Aristotle's argument was proven incorrect. SS