According to dalton what is the difference between an element and a compound

Indeed, carbon dioxide molecules CO 2 are heavier and larger than nitrogen molecules N 2. Dalton proposed that each chemical element is composed of atoms of a single, unique type, and though they cannot be altered or destroyed by chemical means, they can combine to form more complex structures chemical compounds.

Since Dalton reached his conclusions by experimentation and examination of the results in an empirical fashion, this marked the first truly scientific theory of the atom. Atomic theory has been revised over the years to incorporate the existence of atomic isotopes and the interconversion of mass and energy. In addition, the discovery of subatomic particles has shown that atoms can be divided into smaller parts.

Atoms of different elements may combine with each other in a fixed, simple, whole number ratios to form compound atoms. Atoms of same element can combine in more than one ratio to form two or more compounds. The atom is the smallest unit of matter that can take part in a chemical reaction. Drawbacks of Dalton's Atomic Theory The indivisibility of an atom was proved wrong: an atom can be further subdivided into protons, neutrons and electrons.

However an atom is the smallest particle that takes part in chemical reactions. All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice. Oxford Reference. Publications Pages Publications Pages. Recently viewed 0 Save Search.

Your current browser may not support copying via this button. Problem 4 Easy Difficulty According to Dalton, what is the difference between an element and a compound? Answer Elements are composed of only one kind of atom and compounds are made from two or more kinds of atoms.

View Answer. Topics Atoms, Molecules and Ions. Chemistry Chapter 3 Atoms and Moles. Section 1 Substances Are Made of Atoms. Discussion You must be signed in to discuss. Top Chemistry Educators Stephanie C. University of Central Florida. Lizabeth T. Nadia L. Rice University. Jacquelin H.