Relative atomic masses were determined by analyzing the ratios in which elements combined to form compounds and applying the laws of chemical combinations to deduce the relative masses of the atoms involved.
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Determining the mass of an individual atom was challenging, so scientists determined relative atomic masses using chemical combinations and the compounds formed, as per Dalton’s theory.
Scientists were prompted to measure atomic masses because Dalton’s theory suggested that each element had a unique atomic mass, leading to a desire to quantify these masses for further study.
Dalton’s theory explained the law of constant proportions by suggesting that atoms combine in simple, fixed ratios to form compounds based on their atomic masses.
Dalton’s atomic theory proposed the concept of atomic mass, asserting that each element possessed a characteristic atomic mass.