Question

Which postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory the result of the law of conservation of mass?

Answer 1

Hint: Chemical reactions involve reorganization of atoms. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction is one of the postulates of Dalton’s theory. Mass can neither be created nor destroyed. This law is called the Law of conservation of mass.

Complete step by step solution:
-Dalton proposed certain postulates about atomic theory:
-Matter consists of indivisible atoms.
-All atoms of a given element have identical properties except identical mass. Atoms of different elements differ in mass.
-Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in a fixed ratio.
-Chemical reactions involve reorganization of atoms. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Law of conservation of mass:
-This law was put forward by Lavoisier.
-Experimental studies were performed by him and he concluded that In all physical and chemical changes, there is no net change in mass during the process
-So, he arrived at the conclusion that Mass can neither be created nor destroyed. This law is called the Law of conservation of mass.
-Chemical reactions involve reorganization of atoms. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction is one of the postulates of Dalton’s theory. Mass can neither be created nor destroyed. This law is called the Law of conservation of mass.
This postulate of Dalton’s atomic theory is the result of the law of conservation of mass.

Note: For example, when methane undergoes combustion it produces carbon dioxide and water as products.
So, \[C{{H}_{4}}+2{{O}_{2}}\to C{{O}_{2}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\]
Mass of methane=16 gm
Mass of Oxygen =2(32) = 64 gm
Mass of carbon dioxide=44 gm
Mass of water= 2(18) =36gm
Sum of masses of methane and oxygen =16gm +64gm=80gm
Sum of masses of carbon dioxide and water= 44gm +36 gm=80gm
As the sum of masses of reactants and products are equal, it explains the law of conservation of mass.