Does Palladium and Sulfur Demonstrate the Law of Multiple Proportions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the mass ratios of sulfur to palladium in three different compounds demonstrate the law of multiple proportions. Participants explore the relationships between the ratios and seek clarification on the application of the law in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the mass ratios of sulfur per gram of palladium for three compounds and questions whether these ratios are consistent with the law of multiple proportions.
  • Another participant notes that the ratios are different and claims that compound A is two times the ratio of compound B, and compound B is two times the ratio of compound C.
  • A third participant responds to the question about why multiplying the ratio for compound C by three does not yield the ratio for compound A, suggesting that the law of multiple proportions indicates that ratios are small integers but does not require them to be consecutive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the law of multiple proportions and its application to the given ratios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding whether the ratios definitively demonstrate the law.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the correct interpretation of the ratios and their relationships. Participants have not reached a consensus on the application of the law of multiple proportions to the provided data.

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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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