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Came up with the Atomic Theory concept
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Proposed an "atomic theory" with spherical solid atoms based upon measurable properties of mass.
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Arranged elements into 7 groups with similar properties. He discovered that the properties of elements "were periodic functions of the their atomic weights". This became known as the Periodic Law.
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Used a CRT to study "canal rays" which had electrical and magnetic properties opposite of an electron.
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Studied "canal rays" and found they were associated with the proton H + .
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Oil drop experiment determined the charge (e=1.602 x 10 -19 coulomb) and the mass (m = 9.11 x 10 -28 gram) of an electron.
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Using alpha particles as atomic bullets, probed the atoms in a piece of thin (0.00006 cm) gold foil . He established that the nucleus was: very dense,very small and positively charged. He also assumed that the electrons were located outside the nucleus.
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Using x-ray tubes, determined the charges on the nuclei of most atoms. He wrote"The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus". This work was used to reorganize the periodic table based upon atomic number instead of atomic mass.
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Developed an explanation of atomic structure that underlies regularities of the periodic table of elements. His atomic model had atoms built up of sucessive orbital shells of electrons.
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Viewed electrons as continuous clouds and introduced "wave mechanics" as a mathematical model of the atom.
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Using alpha particles discovered a neutral atomic particle with a mass close to a proton. Thus was discovered the neutron.
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Conducted experiments verifying that heavy elements capture neutrons and form unstable products which undergo fission. This process ejects more neutrons continuing the fission chain reaction.
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Studied radiations emitted from uranium and thorium and named them alpha and beta.
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Studied uranium and thorium and called their spontaneous decay process "radioactivity". She and her husband Pierre also discovered the radioactive elements polonium and radium.