Which statements are inconsistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Explain your answers.
(a) All carbon atoms are identical.
(b) Helium atoms can be split into two hydrogen atoms.
(c) An oxygen atom combines with 1.5 hydrogen atoms to form water molecules.
(d) Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form carbon dioxide molecules.
Step 1 of 4
John Dalton proposed the atomic theory of atoms that gained broader acceptance.
The three main ideas of atomic theory are as follows:
1. Each element is composed of tiny indestructible particles called atoms.
2. All the atoms of a given element have the same mass and other properties that distinguish them from the atoms of the other elements.
3. Atoms combine in simple, whole number ratios to form compounds.
(a)
According to atomic theory, all the atoms of a given element have the same mass and other properties that distinguish them from the atoms of other substances.
Hence, all the carbons are identical.
Therefore, the first statement is correct and it is consistent with Dalton’s atomic theory.
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