Explanation of the Law of Multiple Proportions

The law of multiple proportions is a fundamental principle in chemistry that states that if two elements can combine to form more than one compound, then the ratio of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element can be expressed in small whole numbers.

For example, if element A can combine with element B to form two different compounds, then the ratio of the masses of A that combine with a fixed mass of B will be in a small whole number ratio.

Application of the Law of Multiple Proportions to Copper Oxides

When we apply the law of multiple proportions to the black oxide of copper (CuO) and the red oxide of copper (Cu2O), we can see that the data we have is consistent with the law.

The black oxide of copper (CuO) contains 80% copper by mass. This means that for every 100 grams of CuO, there are 80 grams of copper.

The red oxide of copper (Cu2O) contains 89% copper by mass. This means that for every 100 grams of Cu2O, there are 89 grams of copper.

We can use these percentages to calculate the masses of copper that combine with a fixed mass of oxygen in each compound.

Calculation of Mass Ratios

For CuO:

- 100 grams of CuO contains 80 grams of copper
- Therefore, 20 grams of oxygen are present in 100 grams of CuO
- The ratio of copper to oxygen is 80:20, or 4:1

For Cu2O:

- 100 grams of Cu2O contains 89 grams of copper
- Therefore, 11 grams of oxygen are present in 100 grams of Cu2O
- The ratio of copper to oxygen is 89:11, or 8:1

Conclusion

As we can see from these calculations, the mass ratios of copper to oxygen in CuO and Cu2O are in small whole number ratios. The ratio in CuO is 4:1, and the ratio in Cu2O is 8:1. This is exactly what we would expect to see if the law of multiple proportions is correct. Therefore, we can conclude that the data we have for the black oxide of copper and red oxide of copper is consistent with the law of multiple proportions.

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