Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: plyrjohn404 on June 14, 2009, 01:02:29 AM

Title: Why do we persist in teaching models of the atom we know are wrong?
Post by: plyrjohn404 on June 14, 2009, 01:02:29 AM

Why do we persist in teaching models of the atom we know are wrong?

Title: Re: Why do we persist in teaching models of the atom we know are wrong?
Post by: dufengtao on June 14, 2009, 02:38:07 AM

This is the fascination of science. If all the knowledges you have learned were absolutely right, you will be a container of knowledge. The purpose of education is to teach students how to find the mistake and how to creat knowledge.

Title: Re: Why do we persist in teaching models of the atom we know are wrong?
Post by: sjb on June 14, 2009, 07:03:24 AM

It's not so much as they are "wrong" models, but models that suffice for understanding at different levels. Imagine telling 5-year-olds about MO theory and QM - you won't get far.