In the history of science, who is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Chemistry for establishing the law of conservation of mass and reforming chemical nomenclature?

Introduction / Context:
This general science and history of chemistry question asks you to identify the scientist commonly known as the Father of Modern Chemistry. Several important chemists contributed to the development of the field, but one in particular is widely credited with transforming chemistry from a qualitative art into a quantitative experimental science based on careful measurement and clear nomenclature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The options include Robert Boyle, Antoine Lavoisier, John Dalton, and All of the above.
• The question focuses on the title Father of Modern Chemistry and mentions key contributions such as conservation of mass and reform of chemical names.
• Basic awareness of major figures in chemistry history is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Antoine Lavoisier, an 18th century French chemist, is widely recognised as the Father of Modern Chemistry. He carefully measured reactants and products, demonstrating the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions. He helped debunk the phlogiston theory of combustion and correctly explained combustion and respiration in terms of oxygen. Lavoisier also worked on a systematic chemical nomenclature that influenced the way we name compounds today. Robert Boyle, an earlier scientist, advanced experimental methods and formulated Boyle law for gases, but he is often called a founder of modern chemistry, not the single Father. John Dalton proposed the modern atomic theory, explaining that matter is composed of atoms and that each element consists of atoms of a specific type. While both Boyle and Dalton were highly important, the title Father of Modern Chemistry is most commonly associated with Lavoisier.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Most chemistry textbooks and historical references explicitly refer to Lavoisier as the Father of Modern Chemistry. They credit him with establishing chemistry as a quantitative science and with clarifying the role of oxygen in combustion and respiration. While they also honour Boyle and Dalton as pioneers, they usually reserve the specific title Father of Modern Chemistry for Lavoisier. This consistent usage across educational sources confirms that option B is the best answer to this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Robert Boyle, who helped develop early gas laws and experimental methods, is wrong as the main answer because although he was a key figure, the common exam title Father of Modern Chemistry is not usually assigned to him alone.

John Dalton, who proposed the modern atomic theory of matter, is incorrect because his main title is often Father of Atomic Theory rather than Father of Modern Chemistry as a whole.

All of the above scientists equally is wrong because historical and educational tradition typically singles out Lavoisier for this specific title, even though Boyle and Dalton made great contributions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the roles of different scientists, especially when many important names are introduced together. Some may think that because Boyle and Dalton were also pioneers, they share the same title. To avoid this confusion, remember that Antoine Lavoisier is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Chemistry, particularly for his work on conservation of mass, oxygen based combustion, and chemical nomenclature, while Boyle and Dalton are honoured for other specific achievements.