Which statement is part of Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• B. All atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
• C. Elements can be transformed into other elements by chemical reactions.
• D. Atoms can be created or destroyed in chemical reactions.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Dalton's atomic theory was an early model of the atom proposed in the early 19th century, which laid the foundation for modern atomic theory.
2. Recall the key postulates of Dalton's atomic theory, which include: atoms are indivisible particles, all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties, atoms of different elements differ in mass and properties, and atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
3. Evaluate each statement in the problem against Dalton's postulates: the idea that atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons was discovered later and is not part of Dalton's theory.
4. Note that Dalton's theory states that all atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties, which matches the correct answer provided.
5. Recognize that Dalton's theory also states that atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions, so the statement that atoms can be created or destroyed is incorrect, and elements cannot be transformed into other elements by chemical reactions according to Dalton.