1. Choose the best ending a, b, or c to complete the sentences.
1. Ancient Greek philosophers
a) were the first to suppose that matter was composed of small, unseen elements – atoms.
b) did not support Democritus’ atomic theory.
c) introduced the idea of an atomic system.
2. Democritus’ theory was based on the principle that
a) all matter was composed of molecules.
b) atoms were fundamental parts of the universe.
c) all substances were made up of atoms.
3. The word atom
a) originates in Greek.
b) comes from the Latin word “atomos”.
c) was introduced by Aristotle.
4. Democritus’ theory
a) was lost.
b) was kept alive due to Aristotle’s attacks.
c) was not supported by other philosophers.
5. The Catholic Church
a) disapproved atomic theory.
b) regarded atomism as heresy.
c) supported atomism.
6. The invention of the barometer and the air pump
a) disproved atomic theory.
b) confirmed the existence of vacuum.
c) supported Aristotelian beliefs.
7. Pierre Gassendi’s work
a) refuted completely atomic theory.
b) resulted in the revival of atomism.
c) proved that atoms were a gift from God.
8. Isaac Newton
a) considered that matter consisted of solid, destructible atoms.
b) was an adherent of Aristotle’s beliefs.
c) thought that God formed matter in particles of different sizes and properties.
2. Give answers to the following questions.
1. Who was the first to state that matter consists of atoms/
2. What role did Democritus play?
3. What are the main characteristics of atoms?
4. What is the origin of the word “atom”?
5. What happened to Democritus’ writings?
6. What helped to keep Democritus’ ideas alive?
7. Why did Aristotle’s beliefs outlast the ancient era?
8. Due to what events (or facts) was atomic theory revived?
9. Why didn’t the Church oppose Gassendi’s views?
10. What did Isaac Newton think about the structure of matter?
3. Prove or disprove the following statements. Give arguments in support of your viewpoint.
1. Democritus improved concepts created by his predecessors and put forward atomic theory.
2. Democritus’ theory was unanimously supported.
3. The disintegration of matter can result in its reforming into new matter.
4. Aristotle was the only philosopher who did not follow Democritus’ theory.
5. The Catholic Church strongly opposed atomism.
6. Renaissance scholars revived atomic theory.
7. The invention of the air pump proved the existence of atoms.
8. Gassendi and Newton argued in favour of atomic theory.
4. Find the key sentence in each paragraph and write them down.