Question

The weights of two elements that combine with one another are in the ratio of their:

• A. Equivalent weight
• B. Atomic weight
• C. Molecular weight
• D.
  • All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Atomic weight

Explanation for correct option:

(B)Atomic weight

• The law of multiple proportions states that the weight of one element is combined with a fixed weight of other elements during the formation of more than one compound in a ratio of small whole numbers.
• This implies that the combination of two elements takes into account the ratio of their weights to their atomic weights.

Hence, option (B) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect option:

(A)Equivalent weight

• The equivalent weight is obtained by dividing the atomic mass of an element by its valency
• This remains constant for a particular element but during forming a compound the elements may be present in different proportions violating the law of multiple proportions

(C)Molecular weight

• When elements combine, the weight of a particular element in more than one compound can only be present as a fractional ratio when they are related by their atomic weight as different elements can form molecules of various types like bimolecular, trimolecular, etc.
• But, the atomic weight takes into consideration the elemental nature of that particular element only.

(D)All of these

• This option can't be correct as options (A) and (C) are incorrect.

Hence, option (B) is correct.