john dalton contribution to atomic theory

Thinking atomistically early on in his researches, Dalton inferred from experimental studies of the atmosphere, and other researches on gases, liquids and solids, an atomic theory of matter, the idea first suggested by the ancient Greeks, the Greek idea accepted without evidence by Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton earlier than Dalton, Dalton, however, the first to provide its experimental support, establishing that all elements did not have the same mass and size, a finding that not only contributed to the development of his atomic theory but also led to an explanation for the ' law of conservation of mass' and the ' law of definite proportions'.

The principle cannot be entered upon in this paper but I shall just subjoin the results, as far as they appear to be ascertained by my experiments. Why does water not admit its bulk of every kind of gas alike?- This question I have duly considered, and though I am not yet able to satisfy myself completely, I am nearly persuaded that the circumstance depends upon the weight and number of the ultimate particles of the several gases: Those whose particles are lightest and single being least absorbable and the others more according as they increase in weight and complexity.*Īn enquiry into the relative weights of the ultimate particles of bodies is a subject, as far as I know, entirely new: I have lately been prosecuting this enquiry with remarkable success. He taught mathematics and physical sciences at New College, Manchester, resigning his position in favor of lecturing, private tutoring and research, having begun his teaching career at the age of 12 years as founder and teacher of an elementary school in his local community.

John Dalton (1766-1844) was an English scientist, one of the founders of modern chemistry - through his quantitative formulation of a chemical atomic theory - and a pioneer founder of modern meteorology.

John dalton contribution to atomic theory