What fundamental limitation was found in Dalton's theory regarding atomic indivisibility?

Dalton's atomic theory proposed that atoms are indivisible, meaning they could not be broken down into smaller components. However, subsequent advancements in the study of atomic structure revealed that atoms are indeed composed of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. This discovery demonstrated that atoms can be split into these smaller particles through nuclear reactions.

The significance of realizing that atoms can be divided into subatomic components fundamentally challenges Dalton's original assertion about atomic indivisibility. Understanding that atoms are not the smallest units of matter but rather are made up of even smaller constituents has profound implications for the fields of chemistry and physics, paving the way for further developments such as quantum mechanics and nuclear chemistry. This advancement underscores the evolution of scientific knowledge and the necessity to adjust theories based on new evidence.