Dalton’s Atomic Theory
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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Printed: September 2, 2014
AUTHOR
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Dalton’s Atomic Theory
1
Dalton’s Atomic Theory
• Explain why Dalton reintroduced the idea of the atom.
• State Dalton’s atomic theory.
• Describe Dalton’s billiard ball model of the atom.
The idea that matter consists of extremely tiny particles called atoms was first introduced about 2500 years ago by a
Greek philosopher named Democritus. However, other philosophers considered Democritus’ idea ridiculous, and it
was more or less forgotten for more than 2000 years.
Reintroducing the Atom
Around 1800, the English chemist John Dalton brought back Democritus’ ancient idea of the atom. You can see a
picture of Dalton 1.1. Dalton grew up in a working-class family. As an adult, he made a living by teaching and just
did research in his spare time. Nonetheless, from his research he developed one of the most important theories in
all of science. Based on his research results, he was able to demonstrate that atoms actually do exist, something that
Democritus had only guessed.
FIGURE 1.1
Dalton’s Experiments
Dalton did many experiments that provided evidence for the existence of atoms. For example:
• He investigated pressure and other properties of gases, from which he inferred that gases must consist of tiny,
individual particles that are in constant, random motion.
• He researched the properties of compounds, which are substances that consist of more than one element. He
showed that a given compound is always comprised of the same elements in the same whole-number ratio and
that different compounds consist of different elements or ratios. This can happen, Dalton reasoned, only if
elements are made of separate, discrete particles that cannot be subdivided.
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Atomic Theory
From his research, Dalton developed a theory about atoms. Dalton’s atomic theory consists of three basic ideas:
• All substances are made of atoms. Atoms are the smallest particles of matter. They cannot be divided into
smaller particles, created, or destroyed.
• All atoms of the same element are alike and have the same mass. Atoms of different elements are different
and have different masses.
• Atoms join together to form compounds, and a given compound always consists of the same kinds of atoms
in the same proportions.
Dalton’s atomic theory was accepted by many scientists almost immediately. Most of it is still accepted today.
However, scientists now know that atoms are not the smallest particles of matter. Atoms consist of several types of
smaller particles, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The Billiard Ball Model
Because Dalton thought atoms were the smallest particles of matter, he envisioned them as solid, hard spheres, like
billiard (pool) balls, so he used wooden balls to model them. Three of his model atoms are pictured in the Figure
1.2. Do you see the holes in the balls? Dalton added these so the model atoms could be joined together with hooks
and used to model compounds.
FIGURE 1.2
Q: When scientists discovered smaller particles inside the atom, they realized that Dalton’s atomic models were too
simple. How do modern atomic models differ from Dalton’s models?
A: Modern atomic models, like the one pictured at the top of this article, usually represent subatomic particles,
including electrons, protons, and neutrons.
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Chapter 1. Dalton’s Atomic Theory
Summary
• Around 1800, the English chemist John Dalton reintroduced the idea of the atom, which was first introduced
by the ancient Greek philosopher named Democritus.
• Dalton did many experiments with gases and compounds that provided evidence for the existence of atoms.
• Dalton developed an atomic theory that is still mostly accepted today. It is one of the most important theories
in all of science.
• Dalton thought individual atoms were solid, hard spheres, so he modeled them with wooden balls.
Vocabulary
• Dalton’s atomic theory: Theory of John Dalton that all matter consists of indivisible particles called atoms
that cannot be created or destroyed, that are the same for a given element, and that combine in fixed proportions
to form compounds.
Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
Who was John Dalton?
What evidence did Dalton use to argue for the existence of atoms?
State Dalton’s atomic theory.
Explain how Dalton modeled atoms and compounds.
References
1. Arthur Shuster Arthur E. Shipley, based on a painting by R.R. Faulkner. Portrait of John Dalton. Public
Domain
2. Christopher Auyeung. Dalton’s model of atoms. CC BY-NC 3.0
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