In the 1800s, one of the statements in John Dalton's atomic theory was that atoms are indivisible. Later experimental evidence led to the discovery of subatomic particles such as neutrons, electrons, and protons. What happened to the indivisible atom part of Dalton's atomic theory, and why? The entire theory was discarded because Dalton's scientific reputation was ruined once new evidence invalidated part of his theory. The indivisible atom part of the theory was discarded because consensus of data must exist for theories to be valid. The theory remained unchanged because Dalton was correct regarding all other statements within the accepted scientific theory. The theory remained unchanged because new data is discarded if it doesn't fit within the accepted theory.

The indivisible atom part of Dalton's atomic theory was discarded because consensus of data must exist for theories to be valid. This is because scientific theories are based on the best available evidence, and when new evidence is discovered that contradicts a part of the theory, that part of the theory is revised or discarded. In this case, the discovery of subatomic particles such as neutrons, electrons, and protons provided evidence that atoms are not indivisible, as Dalton had originally proposed. Therefore, this part of Dalton's atomic theory was discarded. However, this does not mean that the entire theory was discarded or that Dalton's scientific reputation was ruined. Many other parts of Dalton's atomic theory, such as the idea that all atoms of a given element are identical, are still accepted today.

The indivisible atom part of Dalton's atomic theory was discarded because consensus of data must exist for theories to be valid. This is because scientific theories are based on the best available evidence, and when new evidence is discovered that contradicts a part of the theory, that part of the theory is revised or discarded. In this case, the discovery of subatomic particles such as neutrons, electrons, and protons provided evidence that atoms are not indivisible, as Dalton had originally proposed. Therefore, this part of Dalton's atomic theory was discarded. However, this does not mean that the entire theory was discarded or that Dalton's scientific reputation was ruined. Many other parts of Dalton's atomic theory, such as the idea that all atoms of a given element are identical, are still accepted today.