Definition

1. Noun:
   • A principle in chemistry: The law of equivalent proportions states that when two elements combine separately with a fixed mass of a third element, the ratio of their masses is the same as, or a simple multiple of, the ratio in which they combine directly with each other. It is also known as the law of reciprocal proportions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The law of equivalent proportions helps predict the composition of compounds formed by the combination of different elements.
  • In his chemistry class, the professor explained how the law of equivalent proportions is a fundamental concept in stoichiometry.

Advanced Usage

• In historical context: This law, formulated by Jeremias Benjamin Richter, was crucial in the development of stoichiometry and the understanding of chemical combinations before the atomic theory was fully established.
  • The law of equivalent proportions provided early evidence for the existence of atoms and fixed combining weights.

Variants and Related Words

• Law of reciprocal proportions: This is a direct synonym for the law of equivalent proportions.
  • The terms 'law of equivalent proportions' and 'law of reciprocal proportions' are often used interchangeably.

Synonyms

• Law of reciprocal proportions: The principle describing the same chemical relationship.

Related Concepts

• Law of definite proportions: States that a chemical compound always contains exactly the same proportion of elements by mass.
• Law of multiple proportions: States that when two elements form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in a ratio of small whole numbers.

Noun

1. (chemistry) law stating that the proportions in which two elements separately combine with a third element are also the proportions in which they combine together