Final answer:
John Dalton's atomic theory consisted of key postulates that contributed to the development of modern atomic theory, explaining the nature of atoms, the composition of matter, and chemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dalton's atomic theory consisted of several key postulates that contributed to the development of modern atomic theory. First, Dalton postulated that all matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms. Second, he proposed that atoms of the same element are identical in size, mass, and other properties, while atoms of different elements have different properties. Third, Dalton suggested that atoms combine in simple, whole-number ratios to form compounds. Lastly, he theorized that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms, but no creation or destruction of atoms occurs.
These postulates laid the groundwork for modern atomic theory by providing a framework for understanding the behavior and properties of atoms. They led to further experimental investigations, such as the discovery of subatomic particles and atomic structure. Dalton's theory also influenced scientists to develop more accurate models of the atom, such as the plum pudding model and the modern quantum mechanical model.
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