Atoms were thought to be the smallest unit of matter until j. j. thomson discovered the electron in 1897. what is the most likely reason that atomic theory was not completely discarded after thomson made his discovery?
a
the existence of subatomic particles did not change how scientists viewed the atom.

b
the concept of the atom was still valid, so the theory was updated rather than replaced.

c
the concept of the subatomic particles was not accepted by leading scientists at the time.

d
the existence of subatomic particles only changed how scientists viewed radioactive atoms.