Question

Phosphorus and chlorine form two compounds. The first contains $22.54\%$ by mass of phosphorus and the second $14.88\%$ of phosphorus. Show that these data are consistent with the law of multiple proportions.

Answer 1

$Lawofmultipleproportions$:- When two elements combined with each other and form more than one compound then the weights of one element that combines with the fixed weight of the other are in a ratio of small whole numbers.

To illustrate that it follows the law of multiple proportions considers the following.

In compound $1,$ $1g$ of $Cl$ combines with $\frac{22.54}{77.46}=0.29g$ of $P.$

In compound $2,$ $1g$ of $Cl$ combines with $\frac{14.88}{85.12}=0.174g$ of $P.$

The ratio of total reacts with $1g$ of $Cl$ is $0.29:0.174\equiv 5:3$

Hence, data illustrate the law of multiple proportions.