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Dalton’s Atomic Theory could not explain which of the following?

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Dalton's theory assumed fixed volumes for atoms, which made it incompatible with the behavior of gases, as shown in Gay-Lussac's Law. This required a molecular theory of gases.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Law of constant proportion
  • Law of multiple proportion
  • Law of gaseous volume
  • Law of conservation of mass
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Dalton's Atomic Theory was pivotal for modern chemistry but had limitations:

- Law of Constant Proportion: Dalton proposed that compounds consist of atoms of different elements in fixed ratios, aligning with and explaining this law.

- Law of Multiple Proportion: Dalton's theory successfully accounted for this law, where elements combine in simple, whole-number ratios to form various compounds.

- Law of Gaseous Volume (Gay-Lussac's Law): This law states that gases combine by volume in simple whole-number ratios under constant temperature and pressure. Dalton's theory could not explain this, as it posited indivisible atoms with fixed volumes, failing to address the molecular behavior inherent in Gay-Lussac's Law.

- Law of Conservation of Mass: Dalton's theory was consistent with this law, implying that mass is conserved during reactions because atoms are neither created nor destroyed.

Therefore, the correct answer is (3) Law of Gaseous Volume, as Dalton's Atomic Theory could not explain this phenomenon.
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