Which of the following statement is false? (I) Matter consists of indivisible atoms. (II) All the at — Mole Concept and Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Analysis of Dalton's Atomic Theory Statements Let me evaluate each statement: **Statement (I): "Matter consists of indivisible atoms"** - ✓ TRUE (Core postulate of Dalton's theory) **Statement (II): "All atoms of a given element have identical properties including identical mass"** - ✓ TRUE (Defines an element; isotopes are exceptions discovered later) **Statement (III): "Compounds are formed when atoms of different elements combine in any ratio"** - ✗ **FALSE** — Atoms combine in **fixed/definite whole number ratios**, not arbitrary ratios - Example: Water is always $H_2O$ (2:1 ratio), never $H_3O$ or $HO$ in nature - This violates the **Law of Definite Proportions** **Statement (IV): "Chemical reactions involve reorganization of atoms. These are neither created nor destroyed"** - ✓ TRUE (Law of Conservation of Mass; atoms rearrange but total count remains constant) ## Why C is Correct: Statement (III) is false because it claims atoms combine in **"any ratio"** when the fundamental principle is that they combine in **specific, fixed whole-number ratios**. The "Law of Definite/Constant Proportions" is a cornerstone of Dalton's atomic theory.