Who was the first person to suggest the existence of atoms?

• A. J.J. Thomson
• B. John Dalton
• C. Democritus
• D. Joseph Proust

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. This question is about the historical origin of the atomic theory, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry describing matter as composed of discrete units called atoms.
2. Understand that the concept of atoms was first proposed in ancient philosophy, long before modern scientific methods were developed.
3. Identify that Democritus, an ancient Greek philosopher, was the first person to suggest the existence of atoms as indivisible particles making up matter.
4. Recognize that J.J. Thomson and John Dalton contributed later to atomic theory with scientific evidence and models, but they were not the first to suggest atoms.
5. Joseph Proust is known for the law of definite proportions, not for proposing atoms.