Democritus' model of the atom was simply a round, solid ball. Democritus knew nothing of separate protons, neutrons and electrons; all he knew was that everything physical was composed of atoms, according to Boise State University. Democritus concluded, "Nothing exists except atoms and empty space." read more
Before the Democritus model, ancient philosophers believed that everything was made up of either earth, wind, water or fire. Around 400 B.C., Democritus created this first model of the atom, believing that the atom was the smallest particle of matter. read more
Democritus was born in Abdera, Greece in 460BC. He lived to be 90 years old, dying in the year 370BC. He studied natural philosophy in Thrace, Athens, and Abdera, Greece. read more