Which event would be impossible to explain using John Dalton's model of the atom?

• A. The law of multiple proportions
• B. The emission of discrete spectral lines by hydrogen atoms
• C. The formation of compounds with fixed ratios of elements
• D. The conservation of mass in chemical reactions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that John Dalton's atomic model was based on the idea that atoms are indivisible particles and that each element consists of identical atoms with fixed masses.
2. Understand that Dalton's model successfully explained the law of multiple proportions, which states that elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
3. Recognize that Dalton's model also supports the conservation of mass in chemical reactions because atoms are neither created nor destroyed during reactions.
4. Note that Dalton's model does not account for the internal structure of atoms, such as electrons or energy levels, so it cannot explain phenomena related to atomic spectra.
5. Therefore, the emission of discrete spectral lines by hydrogen atoms, which involves electrons transitioning between quantized energy levels, is impossible to explain using Dalton's atomic model.