Dalton's Atomic Theory

Dalton's atomic theory proposed that:

• All elements are composed of atoms
• All atoms of an element are identical
• Different elements have different atoms
• Compounds are formed by atoms
• Atoms are indivisible

Some components of this theory have since been refuted by today's technology. The fact that atoms of the same element can differ in neutrons and result in isotopes falsifies Dalton's assumption that all atoms of an element are identical. Additionally, we know that atoms are divisible in nuclear reactions. Despite that, most of Dalton's atomic theory still remains valid today and serves as a foundation for modern atomic theory.

Helpful web resources:

http://www.iun.edu/~cpanhd/C101webnotes/composition/dalton.html

http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Atomic_Theory/Atomic_Theory

John Dalton
www.biography.com