Dalton's Model of Matter

Events Observed

Ratios in combination of elements

Focus Question

Is Matter continuous or discontinuous?

Data

Elements combine in fixed proportions

That is known from analysis of the substances obtained

Knowledge

If proportions are fixed...

Matter need to be composed of discrete particles..., ...called atoms, From here..., Dalton's Postulates

Matter cannot be continuous, Matter is discontinuous

Laws of combination of matter

Applications

The physical changes can be explained better

PHYSICAL CHANGES

The processes in Chemistry can be explained better ...

CHEMICAL REACTIONS /EQUATIONS

Matter can be classified ...

CLASSIFICATION OF MATTER

Concepts

Matter is not created nor destroyed.

In a chemical reaction the total mass remains constant

By measuring the mass of each component, we can control the ratio in which they combine

Theory

From macroscopic measures (mass, ratios) we can reach conclusions about the microscopic world (how matter is made)

Combination of elements at any ratio means that matter is continuous, without small units.

Combination at fixed ratios means that matter is discontinuous, made of smaller units.

Philosophy

The knowledge of the structure of matter can help explain the nature and improve our lives.