Define the law of multiple proportions. Explain it with two examples. How
does this law point to the existence of atoms?
When two elements combine to form two or more chemical compounds, then the masses of one of the elements which combine with a fixed mass of the other bear a simple ratio to one another is the law of multiple proportions.
For example, carbon combines with oxygen to form two compounds they are carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide
The masses of oxygen which combine with a fixed mass of carbon in carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are 32 and 16. Therefore oxygen bear: 32:16 ratio or 2:1
Example 2: Sulphur combines with oxygen to form sulphur trioxide and sulphur dioxide
The masses of oxygen which combine with a fixed mass of sulphur in SO3 and SO2 are 48 and 32. Therefore oxygen bear a ratio of 48:32 or 3:2