Definition

Noun: - A fundamental chemical law: The law of multiple proportions states that when two chemical elements combine to form more than one distinct compound, the different masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in a simple, small whole-number ratio.

Usage

• This law is used to describe and predict the composition of different compounds formed by the same elements.
• It is a cornerstone of atomic theory, providing key evidence for the existence of atoms and fixed atomic masses.

Examples

• In a textbook:
• In an explanation:

Advanced Usage

• "To obey the law of multiple proportions": Describes compounds whose elemental mass ratios conform to the law's prediction.
  • The compounds nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide obey the law of multiple proportions.
• "A consequence of the law of multiple proportions": Refers to logical outcomes or proofs derived from the law.
  • The existence of atoms is a direct consequence of the law of multiple proportions.

Variants and Related Words

• Dalton's law (noun): A common alternative name for the law of multiple proportions, named after its formulator, John Dalton.
• Law of definite proportions (noun): A related, foundational chemical law stating that a pure compound always contains the same elements in the same proportion by mass.

Synonyms

• Dalton's law: The most direct synonym, explicitly naming the scientist associated with the principle.

Related Concepts

• Stoichiometry (noun): The area of chemistry that concerns the quantitative relationships between reactants and products in chemical reactions, founded upon laws like the law of multiple proportions.
• Atomic theory (noun): The scientific theory of the nature of matter, for which the law of multiple proportions served as crucial empirical evidence.

Noun

1. (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