Question

Which of the following statement cannot be explained by the proposals of Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. Reorganisation of atoms in chemical reactions
• B. ldentical properties of all atoms of given element
• C. The reason for combining of atoms
• D. Formation of compounds from the combination of elements in a fixed ratio
• E. Matter consists of individual atoms

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

 The correct answer is (C): The reason for combining of atoms

Postulates of Dalton's atomic theory:

1. All matter consists of indivisible particles called atoms.
2. Atoms of the same elements are similar in shape and mass but differ from the atoms of other elements.
3. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed.
4. Atoms of different elements may combine with each other in fixed, simple, whole-number ratios to form elements and compounds.
5. The atom is the smallest unit of matter that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Answer 2

1. Understanding Dalton's atomic theory:

Dalton's atomic theory, proposed in the early 19th century, laid the foundation for modern chemistry. The key postulates of the theory are:

• Matter consists of indivisible particles called atoms.
• All atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
• Atoms of different elements have different masses and properties.
• Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• Atoms cannot be created, destroyed, or subdivided during chemical reactions (reorganisation of atoms).

However, Dalton's theory does not explain the nature of forces or reasons behind why atoms combine.

2. Analyze each statement:

• (A) Reorganisation of atoms in chemical reactions:
  • This is explained by Dalton's theory, as it states that atoms are rearranged during chemical reactions but are neither created nor destroyed.
• (B) Identical properties of all atoms of a given element:
  • This is explicitly stated in Dalton's theory, which claims that all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
• (C) The reason for combining of atoms:
  • Dalton's theory does not explain why atoms combine. It only describes how they combine in fixed ratios to form compounds. This limitation of the theory makes this statement unexplainable.
• (D) Formation of compounds from the combination of elements in a fixed ratio:
  • This is explained by Dalton's theory, which states that atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• (E) Matter consists of individual atoms:
  • This is one of the fundamental postulates of Dalton's theory.

3. Identify the statement that cannot be explained:

• The reason for combining of atoms (C) cannot be explained by Dalton's atomic theory, as it does not address the nature of forces or interactions between atoms.