Question

Write the postulates of Dalton’s Atomic theory.

Answer 1

Dalton’s atomic theory was the first complete attempt to describe all matter in terms of atoms and their properties. It provides conservation law.

Complete step by step solution:
Postulates:
1. The matter is made up of invisible particles known as atoms.

2. Atoms of the same element are similar in shape and mass, but differ from the atom of other elements.

3. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed.

4. Atoms of different elements may combine with each other in a fixed, simple, whole number ratio to form compound atoms.

5. Atoms of the same element can combine in more than one ratio to form two or more compounds.

6. The atom is the smallest unit of matter that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Note: However this theory is not entirely free of limitations, as an atom can be subdivided into electrons, protons and neutrons. Atoms of two different elements differ in mass, size and many other chemical or physical properties. However, this is not correct for all situations. Some postulates of this theory remain valid even in today’s modern chemical thoughts. It forms the base for modern atomic theories.