Question

How does Dalton's atomic theory account for each of the following?
a. the law of conservation of mass
b. the law of definite proportion
c. the law of multiple proportions

Short answer

The statement of Dalton’s atomic theory in the law of mass conservation, definite proportion and multiple proportion is explained.

Step-by-step solution

Dalton’s theory of atom explains for the law of mass conservation

Dalton stated that chemical compounds are formed when the combination of atoms to each other. The compound should always have same atom type and relative number. This is how Dalton’s atomic theory explains for the mass conservation law.

Dalton’s theory of atom explains for the law of definite proportion

Dalton states that the relative number and atom type are constant. Water contains two hydrogen and one oxygen atom. No proportion leads to water formation.

Dalton’s theory of atom explains for the law of multiple proportion

The law of definite and multiple proportions are different. The difference between these laws is dealing of elements. The definite proportion deals with more than one element. The elemental composition can based on the mass ratio.