Question

Which statements are inconsistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Explain your answers. (a) All carbon atoms are identical. (b) Helium atoms can be split into two hydrogen atoms. (c) An oxygen atom combines with 1.5 hydrogen atoms to form water molecules. (d) Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form carbon dioxide molecules.

Name: Problem 27, Chapter 4: Introductory Chemistry
Uploaded: 2020-08-29T23:41:42-08:00
Duration: 1 min 4 s
Channel: David Collins
Description: Which statements are inconsistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Explain your answers. (a) All carbon atoms are identical. (b) Helium atoms can be split into two hydrogen atoms. (c) An oxygen atom combines with 1.5 hydrogen atoms to form water molecules. (d) Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form carbon dioxide molecules.

   Which statements are inconsistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Explain your answers.
(a) All carbon atoms are identical.
(b) Helium atoms can be split into two hydrogen atoms.
(c) An oxygen atom combines with 1.5 hydrogen atoms to form water molecules.
(d) Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form carbon dioxide molecules.

Introductory Chemistry

Nivaldo J. Tro 5th Edition

Chapter 4, Problem 27

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Solved by Expert David Collins

08/29/2020

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Therefore, the statement (a) "All carbon atoms are identical" is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory. Show more…

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Which statements are inconsistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Explain your answers. (a) All carbon atoms are identical. (b) Helium atoms can be split into two hydrogen atoms. (c) An oxygen atom combines with 1.5 hydrogen atoms to form water molecules. (d) Two oxygen atoms combine with a carbon atom to form carbon dioxide molecules.

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Key Concepts

Atomic Indivisibility

Dalton’s original atomic theory proposed that atoms are the smallest, indivisible units of matter and cannot be split into smaller particles. This concept is key to understanding why a statement suggesting that an atom (such as helium) can be split into two atoms (like hydrogen) contradicts the original theory.

Identity of Atoms

According to Dalton’s theory, all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties. This idea supports the notion that all atoms of carbon are the same, and any statement affirming that identity is consistent with the theory.

Whole Number Ratios in Compound Formation

Dalton’s theory asserts that compounds are formed by the combination of atoms in simple, whole-number ratios. This means that compounds are made by combining whole atoms, and any depiction of a fraction of an atom, such as an oxygen atom combining with 1.5 hydrogen atoms, is inconsistent with the theory.

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