Question

State the main postulates of Dalton’s atomic theory.

Answer 1

Dalton’s Atomic Theory:
The main postulates of a theory are:

1. Matter consists of small indivisible particles called – atoms i.e. Atom is the basic unit of matter.
2. Atoms of the same element are – alike in all respects i.e. atoms of hydrogen have the same properties as mass, density, and atoms of oxygen are alike in all respects.
3. Atoms of different elements are different from each other. i.e. atoms of hydrogen are different from atoms of oxygen.
4. Atom can neither be created nor destroyed.
5. Atoms combine with other atoms in simple whole-number ratio forming compounds or molecules.