Why is the quantum theory important to the history of the atom?

Answer 1

it became the basis for all chemistry from then on

Answer 2

The atom was first described as an indivisible particle. Then came Thomson's Plum Pudding model which said that an atom was composed of evenly distributed negative charges in a positive sphere. Then along came Rutherford whose model had a positive core with electrons outside. Bohr modified Rutherford's model by saying that the electrons orbited the positive nucleus like a solar system. Then finally Schrödinger and Heisenberg developed the electron cloud model using the probability functions of quantum mechanics to determine the regions or clouds in which electrons would most likely be found.

Answer 3

Quantum theory revolutionized our understanding of the atom by proposing that particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors. This led to the development of the modern atomic model, explaining the electronic structure and behavior of atoms. Quantum theory also laid the foundation for the field of quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.