Law of Multiple Proportions

The law of multiple proportions states that when two elements combine to form two or more compounds, the mass of one element that combines with a fixed mass of the other element is in the ratio of small whole numbers.

Illustration of the Law of Multiple Proportions

The law of multiple proportions can be illustrated by the following pairs:

1) H2S and SO2
In hydrogen sulfide (H2S), one atom of sulfur combines with two atoms of hydrogen. In sulfur dioxide (SO2), one atom of sulfur combines with two atoms of oxygen. The ratio of the masses of sulfur in H2S and SO2 is 1:2. This illustrates the law of multiple proportions.

2) NH3 and NO2
In ammonia (NH3), one atom of nitrogen combines with three atoms of hydrogen. In nitrogen dioxide (NO2), one atom of nitrogen combines with two atoms of oxygen. The ratio of the masses of nitrogen in NH3 and NO2 is 1:2. This illustrates the law of multiple proportions.

3) Na2S and Na2O
In sodium sulfide (Na2S), two atoms of sodium combine with one atom of sulfur. In sodium oxide (Na2O), two atoms of sodium combine with one atom of oxygen. The ratio of the masses of sodium in Na2S and Na2O is 1:1. This does not illustrate the law of multiple proportions.

4) N2O and NO
In dinitrogen monoxide (N2O), two atoms of nitrogen combine with one atom of oxygen. In nitrogen monoxide (NO), one atom of nitrogen combines with one atom of oxygen. The ratio of the masses of nitrogen in N2O and NO is 2:1. This illustrates the law of multiple proportions.

Conclusion

The law of multiple proportions explains the relationship between the masses of elements in different compounds. It states that when two elements combine to form two or more compounds, the mass of one element that combines with a fixed mass of the other element is in the ratio of small whole numbers.

4 options as law of proportion means having a compound containing same element in different ratio