Which of the following lists correctly identifies three main ideas from Dalton's atomic theory?

• A. 1) Atoms are made of smaller particles. 2) Atoms of different elements can combine in any ratio. 3) Atoms can be divided in chemical reactions.
• B. 1) All matter is composed of indivisible atoms. 2) Atoms of the same element are identical. 3) Atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• C. 1) All atoms are visible under a microscope. 2) Atoms of the same element can have different masses. 3) Atoms are always neutral.
• D. 1) Atoms can be created or destroyed in chemical reactions. 2) Atoms of different elements have the same mass. 3) Atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review Dalton's atomic theory, which is a foundational concept in chemistry describing the nature of atoms and how they behave in chemical reactions.
2. Identify the key postulates of Dalton's atomic theory: (1) All matter is composed of indivisible atoms, (2) atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, and (3) atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
3. Compare each given list with these key postulates to determine which one correctly reflects Dalton's ideas without including modern discoveries or inaccuracies.
4. Note that Dalton's theory does not include the idea that atoms are divisible into smaller particles, nor that atoms can be created or destroyed in chemical reactions, as these concepts were developed later.
5. Conclude that the correct list is the one that states: (1) All matter is composed of indivisible atoms, (2) atoms of the same element are identical, and (3) atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.