Why has atomic structure changed?

1 Answer
Mar 7, 2017

Our conception of atomic structure changed...........

Explanation:

Of course, the structure of the atom was always constant.

And our conception of the atom changed because of new experiments, and new evidence. Rutherford performed the famous gold leaf experiment with #alpha-"particles"#. At the time #alpha-"particles"# were conceived to be heavy, massive particles, which indeed they are. What did he conclude about the structure of the gold-leaf target when a few of these particles bounced back at him.

See here for a few details if you are unsure.