QCYL - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

_{A sample of compound X ( a clear , colourless,  combustible liquid with a noticeable odor) is analyzed and found to contain 14.13g carbon and 2.96g hydrogen. A sample of compound Y ( a clear , colourless , combustible liquid with noticeable odor ) is analyzed and found to contain 19.91g carbon and 3.34g hydrogen. Are these data an example of the law of definite proportions, the law of multiple proportions, or neither? What do these data tell about substance X and Y ?}

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

_{The ratio of these ratio is 4.77/ 5.745 ~ 4/5. This small , whole number ratio supports the law of multiple proportions. This means that X and Y are different compounds.}

Step 1: Define Law of multiple proportions

According to Dalton’s the law of multiple proportions, when two elements react to form more than one compound , a fixed mass of one element will react with masses of the other element in a ratio of small , whole numbers .

Step 2: Check the mass ratio of carbon and hydrogen in the compounds.

Here , in the compound X , the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is : 14.13g C / 2.96g H. In compound Y , the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is 19.91g C/ 3.34g H The ratio of these ratio is 4.77/ 5.745 ~ 4/5.  This small , whole number ratio supports the law of multiple proportions. This means that X and Y are different compounds.