Chapter 2.3 Dalton's Atomic Theory

Question 1

Postulates of the Atomic Theory (5)

Answer 1

1. All matter consists of atoms -> tiny indivisible particles of an element that cannot be created of destroyed
2. Atoms of one element can NOT be converted into atoms of another element (chemical reaction -> atoms of original substances recombine to form different substances)
3. Atoms of an element are identical in mass + other properties & are different from atoms of any other element
4. Compounds results from the chemical combination of a specific ratio of atoms of different elements.

Question 2

How the Atomic Theory explains Mass conservation

Answer 2

Atoms cannot be created of destroyed (#1) or converted into other type of atoms (#2) so no mass changes

Question 3

How the Atomic Theory explains Definite composition

Answer 3

compound = combination of specific ratio of different atoms (#4) each having a particular mass (#3) so each element in a compound contributes to a fixed faction of the total mass

Question 4

How the Atomic Theory explains Multiple proportions

Answer 4

Atoms of an element have the same mass and are indivisible