Which ancient philosopher is credited with first proposing the idea that matter is composed of indivisible particles called atoms?

• A. Aristotle
• B. Isaac Newton
• C. John Dalton
• D. Democritus

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recognize that this question is about the historical origin of the atomic theory, which is a foundational concept in chemistry.
2. Understand that the idea of matter being composed of indivisible particles called atoms was first proposed in ancient times, long before modern scientific methods.
3. Recall that Democritus, an ancient Greek philosopher, is credited with introducing the concept of 'atomos,' meaning indivisible, as the smallest unit of matter.
4. Note that Aristotle, another ancient philosopher, had different views and did not support the atomic theory; Isaac Newton and John Dalton contributed later to the development of atomic theory but were not the first to propose atoms.
5. Therefore, identify Democritus as the philosopher who first proposed the idea of atoms as indivisible particles of matter.