How Does the Law of Multiple Proportions Apply to Sulfur and Fluorine Compounds?

  • Thread starter Victor Frankenstein
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In summary, the data provided shows that when sulfur combines with fluorine to form two different compounds, the ratios of their masses (0.447/1.06) and (0.438/1.56) are both equal to 0.422. This illustrates the law of multiple proportions, which states that when elements combine to form compounds, they do so in whole number ratios. In this case, the ratio of sulfur to fluorine is always 1:2. Therefore, the given data supports the law of multiple proportions.
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Victor Frankenstein
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Sulfur forms two compounds with fluorine. In one of them it is observed that 0.447 g of sulfur is combined with 1.06 g of fluorine while in the other, 0.438 g of sulfur is combined with 1.56 g of fluorine. Show that these data illustrate the law of multiple proportions.

would (0.447/1.06)/(0.438/1.56) work, why or why not?
 
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Victor Frankenstein said:
Sulfur forms two compounds with fluorine. In one of them it is observed that 0.447 g of sulfur is combined with 1.06 g of fluorine while in the other, 0.438 g of sulfur is combined with 1.56 g of fluorine. Show that these data illustrate the law of multiple proportions.

would (0.447/1.06)/(0.438/1.56) work, why or why not?
All you've done there is write out a number. How would you now show that this number illustrates that the Law of MP is at work in these compounds ?

PS : The illlustration follows directly from evaluating and rewriting that number in a more friendly form.
 
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Yes, this calculation would work to illustrate the law of multiple proportions. The law of multiple proportions states that when two elements combine to form multiple compounds, the ratio of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element will be in small whole numbers. In this case, the fixed mass of fluorine is 1.06 g and 1.56 g in the two compounds, while the mass of sulfur varies. When we divide the ratios of sulfur to fluorine in each compound [(0.447/1.06) and (0.438/1.56)], we get a ratio of approximately 0.423 in both cases. This shows that the ratio of sulfur to fluorine in each compound is consistent and follows the law of multiple proportions.
 

What is the Law of Multiple Proportions?

The Law of Multiple Proportions is a fundamental principle in chemistry that states when elements combine to form compounds, the ratio of masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of another element can be expressed in small whole numbers.

Who discovered the Law of Multiple Proportions?

The Law of Multiple Proportions was first proposed by the English chemist John Dalton in the early 19th century.

How is the Law of Multiple Proportions different from the Law of Definite Proportions?

The Law of Definite Proportions states that a compound will always contain the same elements in the same proportion by mass, regardless of the source or method of preparation. The Law of Multiple Proportions, on the other hand, states that when elements combine to form different compounds, the ratios of their masses can be expressed in small whole numbers.

What is an example of the Law of Multiple Proportions in action?

A classic example of the Law of Multiple Proportions is the combination of oxygen and hydrogen to form water. The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in water is always 2:1, regardless of the source or method of production.

Why is the Law of Multiple Proportions important in chemistry?

The Law of Multiple Proportions is important because it provides evidence for the existence of atoms, as well as the idea that atoms combine in fixed and predictable ratios to form compounds. It also helps scientists understand and predict the behavior of chemicals and compounds.

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