Question

A compound has the formula X3 Y. For every 15 X atoms present in thus compound, how many Y atoms are there?

a. 3
b. 5
c. 45
d. 15

Answer 1

The data provided in this question is an example of the law of multiple proportions, indicating that X and Y are different compounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

In compound X, the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is 14.13 g C to 2.96 g H, and in compound Y, the mass ratio of carbon to hydrogen is 19.91 g C to 3.34 g H. The data provided in this question is an example of the law of multiple proportions. According to the law of multiple proportions, when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the mass ratio of one element to the other will be a ratio of small whole numbers. This indicates that X and Y are different compounds.