Democritus

1. Democritus By Sarah, Kurri and Brenna

2. History • Democritus was born 460 B.C in Abderta, Thrace and died 370 B.C at the age of 90 years old. He was known for being the “laughing philosopher” because of his cheerfulness. His father was from a noble family and a great wealth and participated in the army of Xerxes. Democritus’ brother Damosis took him in after his father died and Democritus began to travel all over the world. He visited places such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Persia and India. He wrote 70 books about astronomy but none still exist today. He did not create the atomic theory but opposed it from the founder, Leucippus , another author of astronomy.

3. Contributions • Democritus believed that everything in the world consists of particles called atoms. The atomic theory states that atoms are indestructible, invisible and always in motion. Democritus’ logical reasoning was that he affirmed that the strength of an object depended on the shape of the object. Atoms of liquids are smooth and round while atoms of solids are jagged and catch on to each other. • Now Kurri shall share his smarts with the class about atomic theory.

4. Significance of Contributions • The significance of Democritus’ contributions were a building block for the modern atomic theory. This allowed scientists to discover more about how the atoms were held together and changed shape as they were in constant motion.

5. Bibliography • http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/democritus/ • http://www.iep.utm.edu/democrit/ • http://www.bookrags.com/biography/democritus/ • http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/biographies/MainBiographies/D/Democritus/1.html