Sulfur and fluorine form several different compounds including sulfur hexafluoride and sulfur tetrafluoride. Decomposition of a sample of sulfur hexafluoride produces 4.45 g of fluorine and 1.25 g of sulfur, while decomposition of a sample of sulfur tetrafluoride produces 4.43 g of fluorine and 1.87 g of sulfur. Calculate the mass of fluorine per gram of sulfur for each sample and show that these results are consistent with the law of multiple proportions.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the compounds involved: sulfur hexafluoride (SF_6) and sulfur tetrafluoride (SF_4).
2. For sulfur hexafluoride, calculate the mass of fluorine per gram of sulfur by dividing the mass of fluorine (4.45 g) by the mass of sulfur (1.25 g).
3. For sulfur tetrafluoride, calculate the mass of fluorine per gram of sulfur by dividing the mass of fluorine (4.43 g) by the mass of sulfur (1.87 g).
4. Compare the ratios of fluorine to sulfur for both compounds to see if they are in a simple whole number ratio, as predicted by the law of multiple proportions.
5. Conclude that the results are consistent with the law of multiple proportions if the ratios are simple whole numbers, indicating that the elements combine in fixed ratios to form different compounds.

Key Concepts

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 illustrate how different compounds can be formed from the same elements in varying proportions, reinforcing the idea of distinct chemical identities.

Mass Ratio Calculation

To analyze the compounds formed by sulfur and fluorine, one must calculate the mass ratio of fluorine to sulfur for each compound. This involves dividing the mass of fluorine by the mass of sulfur for each sample, allowing for a comparison of how the proportions of these elements vary between different compounds.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the area of chemistry that deals with the quantitative relationships between the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Understanding stoichiometry is essential for calculating the amounts of substances involved in reactions, which is crucial for demonstrating the law of multiple proportions in the context of the given compounds.