Question: 54. Dalton’s Atomic theory could not explain which of the following?
(1) Law of conservation of mass
(2) Law of constant proportion
(3) Law of multiple proportion
(4) Law of gaseous volume
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
Dalton’s atomic theory successfully explained several fundamental laws of chemical combination.
The law of conservation of mass is explained by Dalton’s postulate that atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged.
The law of constant proportion is explained by the idea that atoms of different elements combine in fixed simple ratios to form compounds.
The law of multiple proportion is explained by Dalton’s concept that atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios, allowing different compounds to form between the same elements.
However, Dalton’s atomic theory could not explain the law of gaseous volume, which states that gases react in simple whole-number ratios by volume. Dalton did not consider the existence of molecules made of identical atoms or the concept of equal volumes of gases containing equal numbers of particles.
Therefore, Dalton’s atomic theory could not explain the law of gaseous volume,
so the correct answer is Option (4).