Which scientist provided a foundation for John Dalton's work on atomic structure?

• A. Niels Bohr
• B. Ernest Rutherford
• C. Dmitri Mendeleev
• D. Antoine Lavoisier

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context of atomic theory development and the contributions of various scientists.
2. Recall that John Dalton's atomic theory was influenced by earlier work on the nature of matter and chemical reactions.
3. Identify Antoine Lavoisier's role as the 'Father of Modern Chemistry' who established the law of conservation of mass, which was fundamental for Dalton's ideas about atoms.
4. Recognize that Niels Bohr and Ernest Rutherford contributed later to atomic structure models, while Dmitri Mendeleev developed the periodic table.
5. Conclude that Antoine Lavoisier's work on chemical elements and conservation of mass provided the foundation for Dalton's atomic theory.