Dalton's Atomic Theory

John Dalton, an English scientist and teacher, was aware of these observations. In the early 1800s, he offered an explanation for them that became known as Dalton atomic theory. The main ideas of this theory (model) can be stated as foolows:

1. Elements are made of tiny particles called atoms.
2. All atoms of a given element are identical.
3. The atoms og a given element are different from those of any other element.
4. Atoms of one element can combine with atoms of other elements to form compounds. A given compound always has the relative numbers and types of atoms.
5. Atoms are indivible in chemical processes. That is, atoms are not created or destroyed in chemical reactions. A chemical reaction simply changes the way the atoms are grouped together.