Which of the following is NOT one of the main ideas in Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. Atoms can be converted into energy during chemical reactions.
• B. Atoms cannot be created, divided, or destroyed in chemical reactions.
• C. Compounds are formed by the combination of atoms of different elements in fixed ratios.
• D. Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review Dalton's atomic theory, which consists of several key postulates about the nature of atoms and how they behave in chemical reactions.
2. Identify the main ideas of Dalton's atomic theory: (1) Atoms are indivisible and indestructible in chemical reactions, (2) Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, (3) Compounds are formed by the combination of atoms of different elements in fixed ratios.
3. Understand that Dalton's theory does not include the idea that atoms can be converted into energy during chemical reactions; this concept is related to nuclear reactions, not chemical reactions.
4. Compare each given statement to the main ideas of Dalton's atomic theory to determine which one does not belong.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Atoms can be converted into energy during chemical reactions' is NOT part of Dalton's atomic theory.