Chapter 4.1, Problem 2LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : Dalton’s advancement of atomic philosophy over Democritus is to be explained.

Concept Introduction : One of the most well-known pre-Socratic philosophers is Democritus. He was regarded as a traveler who went to numerous nations and was born in Thrace. He is known for his theory that everything was made of atoms, however, humans only have fragments of his works.Dalton was the first person to take up the Democritus philosophy into the modern atomic model.

Answer to Problem 2LC

Dalton proposed ‘A New System of Chemical Philosophy’ and modified the atomic philosophy given by Democritus.

Explanation of Solution

Dalton was the person who advanced the atomic philosophy proposed by Democritus.

Dalton has proposed Dalton’s atomic model by the following points:

1. The indivisible atoms form matter.
2. There are similar properties including the similar mass in a given element of all atoms. Only different elements have different masses.
3. The different elements' atoms when combined in a ratio form a compound.
4. Chemical reactions can neither be created nor be destroyed so they are the reorganization of atoms.

Conclusion

Thus, by the proposal of Dalton’s atomic model, Dalton advanced the atomic philosophy proposed by Democritus.