Which of the following are not consistent with Daltons atomic theory?

A. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.

B. Compounds are composed of identical atoms.

C. Chemical reactions change the atoms that are involved.

D. When two compounds react, the atoms change how they are associated with one another.

1 answer

To evaluate the statements in relation to Dalton's atomic theory, let's review the main points of the theory:

  1. All matter is composed of atoms, indivisible and indestructible particles.
  2. All atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
  3. Compounds are formed by the combination of different types of atoms in fixed ratios.
  4. A chemical reaction is a rearrangement of atoms; atoms are not created or destroyed in the process.

Now, let's analyze each statement:

A. Atoms cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
This statement is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory.

B. Compounds are composed of identical atoms.
This statement is NOT consistent with Dalton's atomic theory because Dalton stated that compounds are made of different types of atoms (not identical atoms).

C. Chemical reactions change the atoms that are involved.
This statement is NOT consistent with Dalton's atomic theory. While chemical reactions do rearrange atoms, they do not change the atoms themselves into different types; rather, they maintain the identity of the atoms.

D. When two compounds react, the atoms change how they are associated with one another.
This statement is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory, as it reflects the idea that atoms can rearrange to form new compounds.

In summary, the statements that are not consistent with Dalton's atomic theory are:

  • B. Compounds are composed of identical atoms.
  • C. Chemical reactions change the atoms that are involved.