2. Dalton's Atomic Theory

John Dalton put forward a theory of the atom based on two observed laws:

1. The Law of Conservation of Mass

This law states that matter is neither created nor destroyed.

2. The Law of Definite Proportions

This law states that compounds contain the same proportions of elements.

For instance, carbon dioxide is 2.6 parts oxygen to 1 part carbon, by mass.

From these laws, Dalton concluded that elements must exist in discrete atoms.

This marked the first experimental support of the Greek theory.

Previous: The Greeks

Next: Thomson's "Plum Pudding"