Chapter 4.1, Problem 4LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The main ideas of Dalton’s atomic theory are to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Dalton was the first person to take up the Democritus philosophy into the modern atomic model.

Answer to Problem 4LC

Dalton proposed Dalton’s atomic theory where he addressed atoms as matter’s ultimate particle.

Explanation of Solution

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.

By this theory, Dalton could explain the laws of conservation of mass, the law of chemical combination, and the law of multiple proportions. But failed to explain the laws of gaseous volumes.