What is an atom? -- Ancient ideas -- Understanding matter -- Atoms and elements -- Dalton�s atomic theory -- Mendeleev�s table -- Radioactivity -- The plum-pudding atom -- The gold foil experiment -- Electron shells -- Inside the nucleus -- Could the atom be split? -- The particle accelerator -- Splitting the atom -- Incredible energy -- The atom bomb -- Nuclear power -- Atom science today -- Atomic mysteries.

"Looking at some of the major inventions and discoveries shaping our world today, Breakthroughs in Science profiles the research leading up to the discovery (not just profiles of the one or two key "players"). Each book describes the "famous" moment and then examines the continued evolution illustrating its impact today and for the future"-- Provided by publisher.