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Ch.2 - Atoms & Elements
Chapter 2, Problem 36

Palladium forms three different compounds with sulfur. The mass of sulfur per gram of palladium in each compound is listed here. Show that these masses are consistent with the law of multiple proportions. Compound Grams S per Gram Pd A 0.603 B 0.301 C 0.151

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1
Identify the mass ratios of sulfur to palladium for each compound. For compound A, it is 0.603 grams of sulfur per gram of palladium. For compound B, it is 0.301 grams of sulfur per gram of palladium. For compound C, it is 0.151 grams of sulfur per gram of palladium.
Compare the mass ratios between the compounds to see if they are simple multiples of each other. Calculate the ratio of the sulfur mass in compound A to compound B, and compound B to compound C.
Check if these ratios are whole numbers, which would indicate that the compounds adhere to the law of multiple proportions. The law states that when two elements form a series of compounds, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in ratios of small whole numbers.
Interpret the results. If the ratios calculated in step 2 are small whole numbers, this confirms that the compounds follow the law of multiple proportions.
Conclude whether the mass ratios of sulfur to palladium in these compounds are consistent with the law of multiple proportions based on the calculations and comparisons made in the previous steps.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Law of Multiple Proportions

The Law of Multiple Proportions states that when two elements form more than one compound, the ratios of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element can be expressed as small whole numbers. This principle helps to demonstrate that different compounds formed by the same elements can have distinct mass ratios, reinforcing the idea of atomic combinations.
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Mass Ratios

Mass ratios are the comparative weights of elements in a compound. In the context of the law of multiple proportions, these ratios are crucial for showing how different compounds of the same elements can vary in composition. By calculating the ratios of sulfur to palladium in the given compounds, one can determine if they align with the expectations of the law.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between the substances involved in chemical reactions. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of reactants and products based on balanced chemical equations. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for analyzing the mass ratios in the compounds formed by palladium and sulfur.
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