What is the basic premise of atomic theory?

The basic premise of atomic theory is that matter is made of atoms. This foundational concept, established in the early 19th century by scientists such as John Dalton, emphasizes that atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Atoms are incredibly small, indivisible particles that combine in various ways to form all substances in the universe. This idea revolutionized the understanding of chemistry and physics by providing a clearer perspective on the composition and behavior of matter.

The other options touch on related concepts but do not capture the core idea of atomic theory. The first option implies that all matter is made of molecules, which adds an unnecessary layer, as molecules are themselves composed of atoms. The third suggests that atoms cannot be divided, which was a view held in early atomic theory but has since evolved with the discovery of subatomic particles. The last option relates to states of matter, which is a different concept altogether, focusing on the physical forms that matter can take rather than its composition. Thus, the statement that matter is made of atoms best encapsulates the essential concept of atomic theory.