Which statements are consistent with Dalton's atomic theory as it was originally stated? Why? a. Sulfur and oxygen atoms have the same mass. b. All cobalt atoms are identical. c. Potassium and chlorine atoms combine in a 1:1 ratio to form potassium chloride. d. Lead atoms can be converted into gold.

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1. Identify the key principles of Dalton's atomic theory: (1) elements are composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms, (2) all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties, (3) compounds are formed by a combination of two or more different kinds of atoms, and (4) a chemical reaction is a rearrangement of atoms.
2. Evaluate statement a: 'Sulfur and oxygen atoms have the same mass.' This statement contradicts Dalton's theory because it suggests atoms of different elements have the same mass, whereas Dalton stated that atoms of each element have their own unique mass and properties.
3. Assess statement b: 'All cobalt atoms are identical.' This statement is consistent with Dalton's theory, which posits that all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
4. Analyze statement c: 'Potassium and chlorine atoms combine in a 1:1 ratio to form potassium chloride.' This statement aligns with Dalton's theory, which explains that compounds are formed by a combination of atoms of different elements in simple whole-number ratios.
5. Review statement d: 'Lead atoms can be converted into gold.' This statement is inconsistent with Dalton's theory, which states that atoms are indivisible and cannot be converted into atoms of another element.

Key Concepts

Dalton's Atomic Theory

Dalton's atomic theory, proposed in the early 19th century, states that matter is composed of indivisible atoms, which are the smallest units of an element. Each element consists of identical atoms that have the same mass and properties, and atoms of different elements have different masses. This theory laid the groundwork for modern chemistry by introducing the idea that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms.

Atomic Mass and Identity

According to Dalton's theory, atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties. This means that statements suggesting that atoms of different elements, such as sulfur and oxygen, have the same mass contradict this principle. The identity and mass of atoms are fundamental to understanding chemical reactions and the formation of compounds.

Chemical Compounds and Ratios

Dalton's theory also posits that atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds. For example, the formation of potassium chloride (KCl) from potassium and chlorine atoms in a 1:1 ratio is consistent with this theory. This concept is crucial for understanding stoichiometry and the composition of chemical compounds.