Question

What are the merits of Dalton's atomic theory?
A. Explains laws of chemical combination.
B. Distinguishes between fundamental particles of element
C. Both A and B
D. Proves individuality

Answer 1

Hint: By the help of atomic theory, we can describe the structure and integrity of an atom. Dalton in 1803 explained the atomic theory by basic assumptions and after that many scientists followed his hypothesis and then joined the evolution of atomic models.

Complete step by step answer:
-Dalton was the first scientist to attempt to describe all matter by their atoms and their properties.
-On the basis of the law of conservation of mass and the law of constant composition Dalton proposed his theory.

-Let us discuss about the main points of Dalton’s atomic theory are:
-Every matter is composed of atoms, which are the indivisible 'building blocks' of matter
Dalton thought that he would be able to explain the law of conservation of mass and the law of definite proportions by the concept of atoms. He proposed that all matter is made of very small indivisible particles called atoms, which he thought as "solid, massy, hard, impenetrable, movable particle(s)".
-All atoms of an element are identical and they are different for different elements. The atoms of different elements also vary in size and mass.
Dalton proposed that every single atom of an element, such as silver, is exactly the same as another atom of that same element. He hypothesised that the atoms of one element are different from the atoms of all other elements. A Boron atom is completely different from a Sulphur atom. Elements may have same dipole moments , metallic character and ionisation potentials , but properties of two no elements will be exactly different.
-Compounds are generated through different whole-number combinations of atoms.
​he proposed that compounds are formed by the combinations of two or more different types of atoms. For example if we consider the formation NaCl i.e. table salt then we see that they are formed by simple 1:1 combination of sodium with is a very reactive metal of atomic number 11 and Chlorine which is a toxic gas of atomic number 17.
-Atoms cannot be created nor be destroyed. In a chemical reaction atoms of the reactant and product compounds are rearranged.
He suggested that during chemical reactions atoms are not destroyed or created. They just rearranged the atoms. For example during the formation of AgCl , the elements Ag and Cl combine to form a different compound.
Therefore , as we can see from the above mentioned points we can see that Option A and B both are correct options since it explains the laws of chemical combination and law of multiple proportions and tells about the atoms.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: An atom is not the smallest part as it consists of protons, neutrons and electrons. And also according to Dalton, the atoms of the same element have the same properties. But after the discovery of the concept of isotopes, an element can also contain atoms of different masses, which are called isotopes. For examples, three isotopes of carbon are \[{}_{6}^{12}C,\text{ }{}_{6}^{13}C,\text{ }{}_{6}^{14}C\text{ }\]