Question

State the various postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory of matter.

Answer 1

Anything that occupies space and has mass is called as matter. According to Dalton’s atomic theory , all matter , whether an element , or a compound or a mixture is composed of small particles called atoms. Atoms are incapable of their independent existence.

Complete step by step answer:
-The postulates of his theory are:-
-All matter is made up of very tiny particles called atoms.
-Atoms are indivisible particles that can not be destroyed nor be created in a chemical reaction.
-It remains constant.
-Atoms of a given element are identical in chemical properties and mass.
-Atoms of different elements have different masses .
-Atoms of different elements have different chemical properties.
-Atoms combine in a ratio of a small whole number to form compounds.
-The relative number and kinds of atoms are constant in a given compound.
-When atoms combine to form molecules rearrangement occurs in their structure.
-Atoms combine according to the law of definite proportions..
-Dalton’s theory could explain the laws of chemical combination.
-Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in a fixed ratio.

Note:
In 1808 , Dalton published A New System of Chemical philosophy in which he proposed his theory. Dalton was the first scientist who used the symbols for elements in a very specific sense. When he used a symbol for an element he also meant a definite quantity of that element.