Chapter 2, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Democritus’ contribution to atomic theory, reasons for which the idea that matter was continuous prevailed so long, and the discoveries that refuted the continuous view of a matter should be explained.

Concept Introduction:

• Democritus was the first person to identify the existence of atoms and proposed the atomic theory.
• The idea of matter being continuous was proposed by the great Greek philosopher Aristotle around 340 BC.
• The continuous view of a matter was proposed by Aristotle and many scientists tried to verify the idea through various experiments.