Final answer:
The law of multiple proportions states that when two elements form multiple compounds, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in a ratio of small whole numbers, such as carbon and oxygen forming CO and CO2 in a 2:1 oxygen ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Law of Multiple Proportions
The law of multiple proportions is a significant concept in chemistry, stating that when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the second element will always represent a ratio of small whole numbers. For example, carbon can combine with oxygen to form carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). When we fix the mass of carbon and compare the two compounds, the mass of oxygen in carbon dioxide is exactly double that in carbon monoxide, showing a whole number ratio of 2:1.
This principle reflects the discrete and whole-number nature of atomic combinations in chemical reactions. The law is attributed to John Dalton and is fundamental to the atomic theory of matter. It is key to understanding the composition of chemical compounds and the stoichiometry of chemical reactions.