What were the demerits of Dalton's Atomic Theory (Chemistry)?

Basically there are 4 demerits: Failure to explain the existence of isotopes or isobars- hence atoms of the same element MAY be different. Failure to explain the affinity of atoms of same or different kind to combine and form a Compound (molecule). read more

The demerits of Dalton’s atomic theory are: 1. It failed to explain how atoms of different elements differ from each other. 2. It could not explain how and why atoms of different elements combine with each other to form compounds. 3. It failed to explain the nature of forces that binds the atoms in a molecule. Thanks for asking me to answer :D. Good luck. read more

Merits of Dalton's Atomic Theory. The atomic theory explains the laws of chemical combination (the Law of Constant Composition and the Law of Multiple Proportions). Dalton was the first person to recognize a workable distinction between the fundamental particle of an element (atom) and that of a compound (molecule). read more