How to Use Dalton's Atomic Theory

Contributor

By Chris Sherwood
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

John Dalton

Dalton was one of the founding fathers of modern chemical thoughts. His ideas of atoms have mostly survived the centuries and are even used today when it comes to the world of Chemistry. Understanding how to apply Dalton's theory will help anyone gain a better foundation in the science of chemistry.

The Periodic Table
The periodic table is a way to organize the elements that create the chemicals that form every physical th… More
How to Understand Atoms
An atom is the smallest unit of an element, which is a pure substance. The atom is the smallest unit becau… More
Atomic Symbols
Atomic symbols consist of a letter abbreviation for the element and coordinating numbers. Identify element… More
How to Determine The Nuclear Notation of an Element
Your teacher or professor may ask you to write the Nuclear Notation of a specific element. Better yet, the… More
Atomic Numbers
The atomic number, as denoted on the periodic table, refers to the number of protons in a single atom of t… More
Atomic Mass
Atomic mass refers to the mass of the atom, which does not change regardless of the force of gravity. Unde… More
How to Calculate Molar Mass
General chemistry can be confusing and tedious, however, if you break down some of the concepts, they are … More
What Is the Crystal Theory?
When the metals described on the periodic table of the elements come into contact with each other or are c… More
How to Use Dalton's Atomic Theory
Dalton was one of the founding fathers of modern chemical thoughts. His ideas of atoms have mostly survive… More
Finding Charcoal on the Periodic Table
Don't know what elements are in charcoal? Learn how to find charcoal on the periodic table from our scien… More
Finding Aluminum on the Periodic Table
Don't know where to find aluminum on the periodic table? Learn some tips for finding aluminum from our sc… More
Finding Helium on the Periodic Table
Do you know how to find helium on the periodic table? Learn how to locate helium for your science fair fr… More
Finding Glass on the Periodic Table
Looking for tips on how to find glass on the periodic table? Learn some tips from our expert in this free… More
Science Fair Presentation Periodic Table
Do you remember all the elements in time for the science fair? Learn about the elements on the periodic t… More
How to Make a Periodic Table Pillowcase
Elementary and middle school students will love this Periodic Table pillowcase project. It's a great way t… More

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Use Dalton's Atomic Theory

Step 1

Learn how to understand an Atom. An Atom is the smallest particle that an element can be made up of. Dalton's theory states that all matter is made from Atoms and that atoms are indivisible and indestructible. Today we know that Atoms can be destroyed by nuclear reactions but Dalton's theory that all matter is made from atoms still stands.
Step 2

Learn what an element is. An element is a substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances. Dalton's theory states that different elements have different types of atoms. This can be seen by the multiple amounts of elements that compose the periodic table.
Step 3

Learn what a chemical reaction is. A chemical reaction happens when a substance is chemically converted into new substance with different properties. Dalton's theory states that chemical reactions occur when atoms are rearranged. Examples of chemical reactions are when you burn wood in a fireplace. The ash is a different substance than the wood you began with.
Step 4

Learn what a compound is. A compound is when two or more atoms combine with ionic or covalent bonds. Dalton's theory states that compounds are formed from other elements. Examples would be water (H2O) or salt (NaCl)