Chapter 4.1, Problem 5LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The ideas on atoms proposed by Dalton constitute a theory, while the ideas proposed by Democritus do not is to be evaluated.

Concept Introduction : The true nature of atoms and the link between observable change and atomic-scale events weren't discovered until after Democritus's death.

Answer to Problem 5LC

Democritus' theories on atoms were turned by Dalton into a scientific theory using experimental techniques, whereas Dalton's theories on atoms do not. This is because Dalton employed experimental techniques to do so.

Explanation of Solution

The true nature of atoms and the link between observable change and atomic-scale events weren't discovered until after Democritus's death.

John Dalton was the first to make the modern atomic discovery.

Democritus' theories on atoms were turned into a scientific theory by Dalton using experimental techniques.

Dalton formulated theories and hypotheses to explain his observations, and the result of his work is known as Dalton's atomic theory.

The postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory are as follows:

1. Atoms are the tiny, indivisible building blocks that make up all elements.
2. Atoms are identical when it comes to the same element. Each element has unique atoms that are distinct from those of every other element.
3. Compounds can be created by the chemical or physical mixing of atoms from various elements in whole-number ratios.
4. Atoms can be linked, separated, or rearranged to form new combinations to produce chemical reactions. However, a chemical reaction never converts one element's atoms into those of another element.