John Dalton

In the 1800’s John Dalton, took Democritus’s idea one step further.

Dalton’s ideas are outlined below

• All matter consists of tiny particles called atoms
• Atoms can’t be created or destroyed, and invisible
• All atoms of the same element are identical, but different from atom of other elements.
• When atoms combine to form compounds, each atom keeps its identity
• Atoms combine to form compounds in simple whole number ratio.

After John Dalton, we have continued to research atoms. We have added new ideas to his theory.

• Particles are too small to be seen
• Particles are always moving. When hot, they move faster; when cool they slow down.
• Particle have mass
• Particle join to make larger particles.
• There is space between particles
• Forces hold the particle together to stop them from separating.