Berzelius hypothesis

According to this hypothesis under similar conditions of temperature and pressure equal volume of all gases contain equal number of atoms.This hypothesis was in direct conflict with Dalton's theory. In order to understand why and how this hypothesis contradicts Dalton's theory, Let us apply the law of combining volumes on the   reaction between hydrogen and chlorine to form hydrochloride gas.

H         +        Cl       →           HCl

                                                        1V                  1V                    2V

                                                    n-atoms       n-atoms          2n-molecules ................(i)

 

Now lets us divide the equation (i) with 2n

H                 +             Cl                    →                HCl
           n-atoms/2n       n-atoms/2n           →        2n-molecules/2n

 

Then we are left with : 

                                                                H         +        Cl       →           HCl                                  

                                                    1/2- atom      1/2-atom          1-molecule

Now we know that as per Dalton's atomic theory atom is indivisible particle and it  is the smallest particle that takes part in the chemical reaction.But as per Berzelius hypothesis atom are supposed to be divisible .

 As this hypothesis was in direct conflict with Dalton’s atomic theory which states that atom is the ultimate particle that takes part in a chemical reaction, therefore this hypothesis was rejected.

 

 

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