What does the principle of atomic theory state about matter?

The principle of atomic theory fundamentally states that all matter is composed of indivisible and indestructible particles, known as atoms. This is a foundational concept introduced by early scientists like John Dalton, who proposed that atoms are the smallest units of matter that retain the properties of an element. While modern atomic theory has evolved with advancements in quantum physics and particle physics, the core idea remains that matter is made up of atoms.

The assertion that atoms are indivisible refers to the notion that they cannot be split into smaller units in a chemical reaction, although they can be divided in nuclear processes. This principle emphasizes the uniformity and consistency of matter at the atomic level, laying the groundwork for chemistry as the study of substances, their properties, and their transformations.

The other options diverge from this key understanding of matter. For instance, while molecules can be broken down into atoms, stating that all matter is made up of molecules implies a lack of clarity about the fundamental building blocks. Moreover, the claim that matter can be created and destroyed contradicts the conservation of mass principle established in chemical reactions, where matter is neither created nor destroyed but rather rearranged. Similarly, the assertion that only certain elements are made of atoms misrepresents the universality of atomic composition