Dalton's Atomic Theory
1. Elements are composed of indivisible particles called atoms.- According to Dalton's atomic theory, elements are made up of tiny particles called atoms.
- These atoms are indivisible and cannot be further divided into smaller particles.
2. Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.- Dalton proposed that all atoms of a particular element are identical in their properties and mass.
- For example, all carbon atoms are identical in mass and have the same chemical behavior.
3. Atoms of different elements have different masses and properties.- According to Dalton, atoms of different elements have unique properties and masses.
- For instance, oxygen atoms are different from hydrogen atoms both in terms of their properties and mass.
4. Atoms combine in whole number ratios to form compounds.- Dalton suggested that atoms combine with each other in simple whole number ratios to form compounds.
- This means that the ratio of atoms in a compound is always a small whole number ratio.
5. Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms.- Dalton proposed that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms.
- During a chemical reaction, atoms are neither created nor destroyed, but they rearrange to form different compounds.
6. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed.- Dalton's theory also states that atoms are indestructible and cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
- The total mass of the reactants in a chemical reaction is always equal to the total mass of the products.
Overall, Dalton's atomic theory laid the foundation for understanding the nature of matter and the behavior of atoms. While some of his postulates have been modified with advancements in atomic theory, his fundamental ideas still hold true in modern atomic theory.