Question

Element X and Y form two compounds. In the first compound, 0.324g X is combined with 0.471g Y. In the second compound, 0.117g X is combined with 0.509g Y. Show that these data illustrate the law of multiple proportions.

Answer 1

Sample 1:
X:Y = 0.324 : 0.471
Thus, 1 gram of X will react with 1.45 g of Y
i.e. 1: 1.45

Sample 2:
X:Y = 0.117 : 0.509
Thus 1 gram of X will react with, 4.35 g of Y
i.e
1 : 4.35

Thus, the law of multiple proportions is obeyed.

Answer 2

Answer:

According to the law of multiple proportions, "If two elements form more than one compound between them, then the ratios of the masses of the second element which combine with a fixed mass of the first element will be ratios of small whole numbers".

In the first compound, 0.324 g of X is combined with 0.471 g of Y.

Hence, 1 g of X is combined with  0.471     =  1.45 g of Y.

                                                        0.324  

In the second compound, 0.117 g of X is combined with 0.509 g of Y.

Hence, 1 g of X is combined with  0.509     =  4.35 g of Y.

                                                         0.117

The ratio   4.35    =   3   is a small whole number.

                 1.45         1