Which of the following statements is false according to Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. Atoms cannot be created, divided, or destroyed in chemical reactions.
• B. Atoms of different elements can combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• C. Atoms can be converted into other types of atoms during chemical reactions.
• D. Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review Dalton's atomic theory, which includes the following key points: (1) Atoms are indivisible and cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions, (2) Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, (3) Atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
2. Analyze each statement in the problem and compare it to Dalton's theory: The first statement aligns with Dalton's idea that atoms cannot be created, divided, or destroyed in chemical reactions.
3. The second statement matches Dalton's concept that atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
4. The third statement claims that atoms can be converted into other types of atoms during chemical reactions, which contradicts Dalton's theory because he stated atoms are indivisible and cannot change into other atoms.
5. The fourth statement agrees with Dalton's theory that atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties. Therefore, the false statement according to Dalton's atomic theory is the third one.