Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Practice Exam

What atomic model is associated with John Dalton?

1. Rutherford model

2. Plum pudding model

3. Billiard ball model

4. Quantum model

The correct answer is: Billiard ball model

The atomic model associated with John Dalton is known as the billiard ball model. This concept, introduced in the early 19th century, suggests that atoms are solid, indivisible spheres, akin to billiard balls, that combine in specific ratios to form compounds. Dalton's model emphasized the idea that each element consists of unique atoms that differ in mass and size, and it laid the groundwork for modern atomic theory by providing a systematic way to understand chemical reactions in terms of how atoms interact with one another. In Dalton's view, atoms are distinct and represent the fundamental building blocks of matter, leading to a better understanding of chemical combinations and the law of multiple proportions. This straightforward, macroscopic view of atomic structure was essential in bridging the gap between classical chemistry and the more complex atomic theories that followed later.