What is one of the main postulates of Dalton's atomic theory?

The assertion that atoms of a given element are identical is a key postulate of Dalton's atomic theory. This concept underscores the idea that each element is composed of atoms that share the same mass and properties. It highlights the uniformity within an element, meaning that if you have multiple atoms of a specific element, they will all be the same in terms of mass and chemical behavior. This principle was foundational in developing the modern understanding of elements and compounds in chemistry.

In contrast, the notion that all elements are composed of molecules, statement about compounds consisting only of single elements, and the idea that chemical reactions do not involve atoms are either misleading or incorrect. For example, compounds are formed from two or more different elements chemically bonded together, and chemical reactions do involve the rearrangement of atoms, not a dismissal of them. By focusing on the postulate regarding identical atoms, it becomes clear how this aspect of Dalton's atomic theory contributes to our understanding of chemical behavior and properties of matter.