Scientists have changed the model of the atom as they have gathered new evidence. One of the atomic models is shown below. A purple center outlined in black with two concentric black circles around the center, the inner circle having 2 small green balls on it and the outer circle having 8 small green balls on it. What experimental evidence led scientists to change from the previous model to this one? A few of the positive particles aimed at a gold foil seemed to bounce back. The colors of light emitted from heated atoms had very specific energies. Experiments with water vapor showed that elements combine in specific proportions. Cathode rays were bent in the same way whenever a magnet was brought near them.