Question

In an experiment 0.2430 gm of magnesium on burning with oxygen yielded 0.4030 gm of magnesium oxide. In another experiment 0.1820 gm of magnesium on burning with oxygen yielded 0.3020 gm of magnesium oxide. Show that the data explain the law of definite proportions.

Answer 1

Experiment 1: Weight of Magnesium oxide $=0.4030$ gm

Weight of Magnesium $=0.2430$ gm

Weight of oxygen$=0.4030–0.2430=0.16$ gm

Ratio of Magnesium: oxygen $=0.2430:0.16=1.552:1$

Experiment 2:

Weight of Magnesium oxide$=0.3020$

Weight of Magnesium $=0.1820$

Weight of oxygen $=0.3020–0.1820=0.12$

Ratio of magnesium: oxygen$=0.1820:0.12=1.552:1$

In both experiments the ratio of magnesium: oxygen is same ($1.518:1$)

Hence, it illustrates the law of definite proportions.