Dalton’s Atomic Theory

In 1808,, John Dalton published his book “ A New System of Chemical Philosophy”,
where he proposed an atomic theory of matter that can explain chemical observations as
predicted by the three fundamental laws. The atomic theory comprised the following
postulates: Matter is made up of extremely small indivisible particles called atoms;
Atoms of the same element are identical and are different from those of other elements;
Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in certain whole-
number ratios; and Atoms rearrange only during a chemical reaction to form new
compounds.

Matter is made up of extremely small indivisible particles called atoms. The best way to
explain the experience the experimental results as predicted by the fundamental laws is to
consider the elements are consisting of atoms. An element, defined by Boyle as the
simplest form of matter that cannot be divided further through chemical means, must
exist in its most fundamental form as an atom. For instance, a small foil of gold.
However, Dalton had neither seen an atom nor proved its existence.

Atoms of the same element are identical and are different from those of other elements.
Since elements have different elements have different properties, their atoms must also be
different from one another. The law of definite proportions suggest that elements combine
in specific ratios by mass. It is then apparent that one major difference between atoms of
different elements must be their mass. Dalton was the first to publish a list of atomic
weights of a few elements.

Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in certain whole-
number ratios. Since elements are made up of atoms, they can only combine in whole-
number ratios and not in fractions. This supports the law of definite proportions and the
law of multiple proportions. With this idea, a systematic way of writing chemical
formulas emerged.

Atoms rearrange only during a chemical reaction to form new compounds. Atoms are not
created nor destroyed. An atom must be indestructible for the law of conversation of mass
to be valid. The same number and kind of atoms must be present before and after a
chemical reaction.