Atomic Structure: From Particles to Properties

This lecture covers the evolution of the atomic theory, from Democritus' concept of indivisible particles to the modern understanding of atomic structure. It explores the contributions of scientists like John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, and Ernest Rutherford, leading to the development of the quantum mechanical model of the atom. The lecture delves into the dual nature of electrons as both particles and waves, the concept of orbitals, and the principles governing electron configurations. It also discusses the periodic table of elements, the quantum mechanical description of atoms, and the significance of quantum mechanics in understanding the behavior of matter at the atomic level.