Question

how did the development of the earliest idea about atoms differ from the later work of scientists?
it was based on sound evidence.
there were explanations for the idea.
it was based on the thoughts of an early philosopher.
there were experiments conducted to support the idea.

Explanation:

The earliest idea about atoms was proposed by ancient philosophers like Democritus. It was more of a philosophical speculation rather than being based on scientific experiments. Later scientific work on atoms involved experiments (e.g., Dalton's atomic theory based on chemical reactions, Thomson's cathode - ray tube experiments for electrons in atoms).

• The first option is incorrect because the earliest ideas were not based on sound (scientific) evidence.
• The second option is not the key difference. Later scientific work also had explanations, but the basis (philosophy vs. experiment) is more crucial.
• The third option is correct as the earliest idea was based on the thoughts of an early philosopher.
• The fourth option is incorrect as there were no experiments for the earliest ideas.

Answer:

It was based on the thoughts of an early philosopher.