Question

Which of the following explains how one of the postulates in John Dalton's atomic theory was later subjected to change?

Various scientists found that all atoms of a particular element are identical.
Some scientists found that atoms combine in simple whole number ratios to form compounds.
Various scientists found that atoms consist of subatomic particles with varying mass and charge.
Some scientists found that bonds between atoms are broken, rearranged, or reformed during reactions.

Answer 1

Various scientists found that atoms consist of subatomic particles with varying mass and charge.

Step-by-step explanation:

This finding directly contradicts one of the postulates of John Dalton's atomic theory, which stated that all atoms of a particular element are identical in size, mass, and other properties. The discovery of subatomic particles, like protons and neutrons, with different masses, showed that atoms of the same element could have different masses (isotopes).

Here's a breakdown of why the other options are incorrect:

All atoms of a particular element are identical: This was one of Dalton's original postulates, and the discovery of isotopes disproved it.

Atoms combine in simple whole number ratios to form compounds: This is still a valid part of Dalton's theory and is supported by experimental evidence.

Bonds between atoms are broken, rearranged, or reformed during reactions: This describes the process of chemical reactions, which Dalton's theory also explained. It doesn't directly contradict any of his postulates.

Therefore, only the discovery of subatomic particles with varying mass and charge directly challenges one of John Dalton's atomic theory postulates.