Q. 4.77 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

According to Dalton's atomic theory, which of the following are true or false? If false, correct the statement to make it true. (4.3) 

a. Atoms of an element are identical to atoms of other elements. 

b. Every element is made of atoms.

c. Atoms of different elements combine to form compounds. 

d. In a chemical reaction, some atoms disappear and new atoms appear.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) The given statement is False. The true statement is that different elements have different atoms.

(b) The given statement is True

(c) The given statement is True

(d) The given statement is False. The true statement is that chemical reactions do not destroy atoms.

Part (a) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that the given statement i.e. Atoms of an element are identical to atoms of other elements is true or false

Part (a) Step 2: Explanation

We know that, 

One of Dalton's statements is that,

All atoms of an element were identical, different elements had atoms of differing size and mass.

And this statement contradicts the given statement.

Therefore, The given statement is False. 

Part (b) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that the given statement i.e. Every element is made of atoms is true or false

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

We know that, 

One of Dalton's statements is that,

Every element is made of atoms. 

Which is the given statement.

Therefore, The given statement is True 

Part (c) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that the given statement i.e. Atoms of different elements combine to form compounds is true or false

Part (c) Step 2: Explanation

We know that, 

One of Dalton's statements is that,

Atoms of different elements combine to form compounds.  

Which is the given statement 

Therefore, The given statement is True.  

Part (d) Step 1: Given information

We need to find that the given statement i.e. In a chemical reaction, some atoms disappear and new atoms appear is true or false.

Part (d) Step 2: Explanation

We know that, 

One of Dalton's statements is that,

Chemical reactions do not destroy or create an atom. They simply rearrange them to form a new substance.

And this statement contradicts the given statement.

Therefore, The given statement is False.