According to Dalton's postulates, which statement is correct?

• A. Atoms of different elements can combine in any ratio to form compounds.
• B. Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.
• C. Atoms can be created or destroyed during chemical reactions.
• D. Atoms are divisible into protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall Dalton's atomic theory postulates, which describe the nature of atoms and how they behave in chemical reactions.
2. Identify that Dalton stated atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, which means all atoms of a given element are alike.
3. Understand that Dalton's theory also states atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions, so the option about atoms being created or destroyed is incorrect.
4. Recognize that Dalton proposed atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds, not in any arbitrary ratio, so the first statement is incorrect.
5. Note that Dalton's theory considered atoms as indivisible particles, so the idea that atoms are divisible into protons, neutrons, and electrons was not part of his postulates.