Law Of Multiple Proportions (Noun)
Meaning
(chemistry) law stating that when two elements can combine to form more than one compound the amounts of one of them that combines with a fixed amount of the other will exhibit a simple multiple relation.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The law of multiple proportions was formulated by John Dalton and is used to explain the different proportions of elements found in compounds.
- Dalton's law of multiple proportions helped establish the atomic theory of matter by recognizing the discrete amounts of elements that combine.
- The law of multiple proportions is a fundamental concept in chemistry that provides evidence for the existence of atoms of different elements having different masses.
- For example, when hydrogen and oxygen combine to form compounds, the law of multiple proportions indicates that the proportions of oxygen to hydrogen will be in simple multiples.
- Understanding the law of multiple proportions helps chemists calculate the quantities of reactants and products involved in chemical reactions.