Chapter 4, Problem 34A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the Democritus to unable to experimentally verify his ideas needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Any substance that has mass and occupies space by having a fixed volume is matter. Everything that exists is a matter, table, chair, coins, etc.

Answer to Problem 34A

Democritus’s theory was based on the ideas and no experimental evidence of what holds the atoms together.

Explanation of Solution

Greek philosopher Democritus proposed the concept that matter is composed of tiny, indivisible particles. The hypothesis stated that:

• Atoms move through empty space.
• They are solid, indestructible, homogenous and indivisible in nature.
• Different atoms have different sizes and shapes.
• The properties of matter are determined on the size, shape and movement of the atom.

This hypothesis was based on the ideas and no scientific study was done. Democritus could not experimentally verify the idea as there was no answer to the question that what holds atoms together.

Conclusion

Democritus did not have the answer to the question that what holds atoms together, due to which the theory was not verified.