Which of the following statements is NOT one of Dalton's postulates in his atomic theory?

• A. Atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties.
• B. Atoms of different elements can combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.
• C. Atoms cannot be created, divided into smaller particles, or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
• D. Atoms can be converted into energy during chemical reactions.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Review Dalton's atomic theory postulates carefully. Dalton proposed that atoms are indivisible and indestructible particles, atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, atoms of different elements combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds, and chemical reactions involve rearrangement of atoms without their creation or destruction.
2. Identify each given statement and compare it to Dalton's original postulates:
3. 1. "Atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties" aligns with Dalton's idea that atoms of the same element are identical.
4. 2. "Atoms of different elements can combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds" matches Dalton's postulate about compound formation.
5. 3. "Atoms cannot be created, divided into smaller particles, or destroyed in a chemical reaction" reflects Dalton's belief in the indivisibility and conservation of atoms during reactions.
6. 4. "Atoms can be converted into energy during chemical reactions" contradicts Dalton's theory because he did not propose that atoms could be transformed into energy; this concept comes from modern nuclear chemistry, not Dalton's atomic theory.