Question

How did the law of multiple proportions encouraged Dalton to introduce an atomic theory?

Answer 1

In his work, Dalton found that the weight ratio of the element is always whole number multiple ratio and this is due to repetition of the atoms of the same element.

The ratio of the masses of oxygen that can react with 100 grams of carbon is 266:133 = 2:1, a ratio of small whole numbers. Dalton interpreted this result in his atomic theory by proposing (correctly in this case) that the two oxides have one and two oxygen atoms respectively for each carbon atom.

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Answer 2

In his work, Dalton found that the weight ratio of the element is always whole number multiple ratio and this is due to repetition of the atoms of the same element. For eg in $CO$ and $CO_2$ , the wt. ratio of oxygen is $1:2$ since there is repetition of $O$ atom in $CO_2$ . Here, $CO$ and $CO_2$ shows law of multiple proportions and on the basis, Dalton concluded that atom is the smallest repeating unit of an element. Hence, we can say that, the law of multiple proportions encourages Dalton to introduce atomic theory.