Chapter 4, Problem 36A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : The limitations of Democritus’s ideas about atoms are to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Atoms are fundamental tiny particles that act as the building block of matter.The existence of atoms was first put out by Democritus.

Answer to Problem 36A

Democritus’s ideas about atoms did not account for their chemical behavior and lack of experimental support.

Explanation of Solution

The existence of atoms was first put out by Democritus.

According to Democritus, atoms are unbreakable and indivisible. Democritus' theories were in line with later scientific theories; however, they did not account for chemical behavior. Democritus' method was not based on scientific methods, therefore they also lacked experimental support.