Which law is illustrated by compounds $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2$ formed from…
Which law is illustrated by compounds $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$ and $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2$ formed from two different elements, H and O ?
Law of Constant proportion.
Law of Conservation of mass.
Law of Multiple proportion.
Avogadro's law.
Solution
The correct answer is (3) Law of Multiple Proportions.
Explanation:
The Law of Multiple Proportions states that when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the different masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in simple whole number ratios.
- $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$ (water) and $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2$ (hydrogen peroxide) are two compounds formed by the combination of hydrogen (H) and oxygen ( O ).
- In $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$, the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1.
- In $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2$, the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen is 2:1 again, but the total amount of oxygen is doubled in $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_2$ compared to $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$. This fits the Law of Multiple Proportions, as these two compounds involve different ratios of oxygen atoms that combine with a fixed amount of hydrogen.