Final answer:
The law of constant composition states that in any particular chemical compound, all samples of that compound will be made up of the same elements in the same proportion or ratio. Two limitations of this law are exceptions in nonstoichiometric compounds and the presence of isotopes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The law of constant composition, also known as the law of definite proportions, states that in any particular chemical compound, all samples of that compound will be made up of the same elements in the same proportion or ratio. This means that the ratio of masses of the constituent elements in a compound is always constant. However, there are two limitations to this law:
- Exceptions: There are some compounds, known as nonstoichiometric compounds, where the ratio of elements may vary slightly. For example, in iron oxide, the ratio of iron to oxygen can vary slightly due to the presence of impurities.
- Isotopes: The law of constant composition assumes that all atoms of an element are the same. However, some elements have isotopes, which are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes may have slightly different masses and can affect the ratio of elements in a compound.