Which statement is one of the postulates in Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• B. Atoms can be created or destroyed during chemical reactions.
• C. Atoms of different elements cannot combine to form compounds.
• D. Atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that Dalton's atomic theory is a historical model that explains the nature of atoms and their behavior in chemical reactions.
2. Recall the key postulates of Dalton's atomic theory, which include ideas about the indivisibility of atoms, the identity of atoms within an element, and how atoms combine to form compounds.
3. Evaluate each given statement against Dalton's postulates: for example, Dalton proposed that atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties, which is a fundamental postulate.
4. Recognize that Dalton's theory states atoms cannot be created or destroyed in chemical reactions, so the statement about atoms being created or destroyed is incorrect.
5. Conclude that the correct postulate from the options is: 'Atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.'