Question

Which postulate of Dalton’s atomic theory can explain the law of definite proportions?

Answer 1

The postulate of Dalton's atomic theory

• The matter is made up of indivisible particles known as atoms.
• The properties of all the atoms of a given element are the same, including mass.
• Atoms of different elements combine in fixed ratios to form compounds.
• Atoms are neither created nor destroyed.
• Atoms of an element are identical in mass, size, and many other chemical or physical properties.

Law of definite proportions

• The law of definite proportions states that the given chemical compound always contains its component elements in a fixed ratio.
• The postulate of Dalton's atomic theory, "Atoms of different elements combine in fixed ratios to form compounds," results from the law of definite proportions.