How did scientists refute the early atomic theory claim that atoms were indivisible?

Select all that apply.

Scientists collided atoms of small mass together, observed reaction products with twice the mass of original atoms, and described this result as fusion.

Scientists bombarded atoms of large mass with neutrons, observed reaction products with slightly smaller mass, and described this result as fusion.

Scientists collided atoms of small mass together, observed reaction products of slightly larger mass, and described this result as fusion.

Scientists bombarded atoms of large mass with neutrons, observed reaction products with much smaller mass, and described this result as fission.

Scientists refute the early atomic theory claim that atoms were indivisible as "Scientists bombarded atoms of large mass with neutrons, observed reaction products with much smaller mass, and described this result as fission".

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

John Dalton was the first one to propose a model for atomic structure. According to him, atoms were tiny, indivisible materials which are used as building blocks of every elements. This formed the basis of atomic structure at that time.

But with the time, different experiments were performed by Rutherford, Bohr, Sommerfield and found that there is discrepancy in the fundamental postulates of atomic theory. Then the success of nuclear fission reaction completely refute the Dalton's postulates of atomic theory. Because according to Dalton, atoms cannot be divided further.

But in nuclear fission reaction, scientists bombarded atoms of large mass with neutrons and the products are formed as elements of smaller mass compared to reactants. So, this proved that atoms can be divided further by neutrons. Thus, nuclear fission reaction made the scientists to completely refute the early atomic theory claim.