Why do scientists use models to study atoms?

1 Answer
Feb 15, 2018

Well because atoms are extremely small!

Explanation:

Atoms are extremely small to see and require the use of an electron microscope. Even with that, all you can see will be this:

https://www.quora.com/Can-atoms-be-seen-under-an-electron-microscope

To make more sense of atoms, scientists have developed models of atoms that will make it easier to visualize and understand them better. An extremely common example is this:

http://www.whoinventedfirst.com/who-discovered-the-atom/

As you can see here, it makes it much more easier to visualize and study the atom.

However, I don't think that even scientists have agreed on what an atom really looks like.