Final answer:
Dalton's atomic theory, which posited that atoms separate, combine, or rearrange during chemical reactions, is true. Modern science has accepted this with slight revisions regarding atomic subdivision, isotopic differences, and nuclear transformations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dalton's atomic theory indeed stated that atoms separate, combine, or rearrange in chemical reactions. This assertion is true. John Dalton proposed his atomic theory in 1804, offering a comprehensive explanation of the chemical behavior of atoms. His revolutionary theory included several key points:
All matter is composed of extremely small particles called atoms.
- Atoms cannot be subdivided, created, or destroyed in chemical reactions.
- Atoms of a given element are identical in size, mass, and other properties, while atoms of different elements differ in these respects.
- Atoms of different elements can combine in whole number ratios to form chemical compounds.
- In chemical reactions, atoms are simply rearranged, combined, or separated.
However, modern science has noted some exceptions to these postulates, recognizing that atoms can be further subdivided into subatomic particles, isotopes mean atoms of a given element can have different masses, and using techniques like nuclear fission and fusion, atoms can be transformed into atoms of other elements, effectively creating or destroying them.