1.

State and explain the law of multiple proportions.

Answer»

The law of multiple proportion states that when two elements combine to form two or, more than two compounds, the weights of one of the elements which combine with a fixed weight of the other, bear a simple whole number ratio.

The law may be illustrated by the following example : Nitrogen and oxygen combine to form five oxides namely nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen trioxide (N2O3), nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) and nitrogen pentoxide (N2O5).

OxideNumber of
parts by
weight of
nitrogen		Number of
parts by
weight of
oxygen		Fixed 
weight of
nitrogen
(14 parts)		Number of parts
by weight of
oxygen combining
with 14 parts
by weight of
nitrogen
NO22816148
NO14161416
N2O328481424
N2O428641432
N2O528801440

The ratio between the different weights of oxygen in different compounds which combine with the same weight of nitrogen (14 parts) is

8 : 16 : 24 : 32 : 40

or, 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5

This is simple whole number and hence, supports the law.


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