The observation that hydrogen and oxygen can react to form two compounds with different chemical and physical properties,one having an O:H mass ratio = 8:1 and the other having an O:H mass ratio = 16:1 is consistent with the law of
A)definite proportions.
B)energy conservation.
C)mass conservation.
D)multiple proportions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation of two different compounds formed by the same elements (hydrogen and oxygen) with different ratios of masses (8:1 and 16:1) is in line with the law of multiple proportions, which states that when two elements combine to form different compounds, the ratios of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in small whole numbers. This is different from the law of definite proportions (A), which refers to a specific compound always containing the same elements in the same proportions by mass; energy conservation (B) and mass conservation (C) are general principles that apply to all chemical reactions but do not relate specifically to the observation described in the question.

The Observation That Hydrogen and Oxygen Can React to Form