Question

The law of multiple proportion may be illustrated by:

1) KBr, Kl 2) H₂O, D₂O

3) CO, CO₂ 4) CaO, CaCO₃

Answer 1

Hello Ravi.

According to the law of multiple proportions when the two elements combine to form two or more compounds, with one of the elements’ masses as fixed, then the masses of the other element in two compounds bears the simple whole number ratio to one another.

In the given alternatives, option 3) CO and CO₂ will follow the law of multiple proportions. Here the mass of carbon is fixed as 12, but the masses of oxygen in two compounds are 16 and 32 respectively. Hence taking the ratio of CO and CO₂ as 16:32=1:2.

In the other alternatives a simple whole ratio is not observed.

Hope this answers your query.

Best Wishes!