Does Palladium and Sulfur Demonstrate the Law of Multiple Proportions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Law of Multiple Proportions as it pertains to the compounds formed by palladium and sulfur. The mass ratios of sulfur to palladium in three compounds (A: 0.603, B: 0.301, C: 0.151) demonstrate that these ratios are consistent with the law. Specifically, the ratio of A to B is 2:1, and the ratio of B to C is also 2:1, confirming the principle that when two elements form multiple compounds, the ratios of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in small whole number ratios. The confusion regarding the multiplication of ratios is clarified by emphasizing that the law does not require consecutive integers.

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Homework Statement


The Problem goes as follows:

Palladium forms three different compounds with sulfur. The mass of sulfur per gram of palladium in each compound is listed below:

Compound Grams S per Gram Pd
A 0.603
B 0.301
C 0.151

Show that these masses are consistent with the law of multiple proportions.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I feel as though this is a trick question: when I venture to find the ratio between C and B I come up with 2; but, when I multiple 3 by .151, I don't come out with .603. As I type this I am beginning to feel that I don't quite understand the ratio. Could some explain to me if this problem follows the Law of Multiple proportion; and, if so, how? And also, why doesn't multiplying .151 by 3 yield .603? Thank you
 
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Compound Grams S per Gram Pd
A 0.603
B 0.301
C 0.151

Notice how each of the three ratios of S to Pd is different. A is two times B, and B is two times C.
 
Bashyboy said:
why doesn't multiplying .151 by 3 yield .603?

Because it yields 0.453?

Seriously: law of multiple proportions says that ratios are small integers, it doesn't say they have to be consecutive.
 
Thank you both.
 

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