Question

Carbon and oxygen forms two compounds. Carbon content in one of them is 42.9% while in the other is 27.3%. The given data is in support with:

• A. Law of definite proportions
• B. Law of reciprocal proportions
• C. Law of multiple proportion
• D. Law of conservation of mass

Answer 1

The correct option is C Law of multiple proportion

The above example illustrates the law of multiple proportions:

If carbon constitutes $42.9\%$ then Oxygen constitutes $57.1\%(100-42.7)$
Then, 1 gram of oxygen constitutes $\frac{42.9}{57.1}=0.79$ gram of carbon.

In the second compound, oxygen constitutes $72.3gram(100-27.3)$

Then 1 gm of oxygen constitutes $\frac{27.3}{7207}=0.375$ gram of carbon.

The ratio of carbon combining in two compounds with a fixed weight of oxygen is $0.79:0.375$ is $2:1$. (simple ratio)

Hence, option C is correct.