Law Of Multiple Proportions: When one element can combine with another to form more than one compound, the mass ratios of the elements in the compounds are simple whole-number ratios of each other. For example, in CO and in CO2, the oxygen-to-carbon ratios are 16:12 and 32:12, respectively. Note that the second ratio is exactly twice the first, because there are exactly twice as many oxygens in CO2 per carbon as there are in CO.

 

Related Words

Law Of Multiple Proportions: When one element can combine with another to form more than one compound, the mass ratios of the elements in the compounds are simple whole-number ratios of each other. For example, in CO an . . . View Full Definition

Permanent Law: Legislation that would be in force in the absence of all temporary or short-term laws (e.g., farm bills). The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, the Agricultural Act of 1949, and the Commo . . . View Full Definition

Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) Of 1930: P.L. 71-325 (June 10, 1930), as amended, regulates the buying and selling of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to prevent unfair trading practices and to assure that sellers will be pai . . . View Full Definition

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act Of 1996: P.L. 104-193 (September 22, 1996) was labeled as a major 'welfare reform' initiative. In addition to provisions making major changes to federal cash welfare, medicaid, work, and child care d . . . View Full Definition