An element X forms the following compounds with chlorine: XCl 4 , XCl 3 ,
An element X forms the following compounds with chlorine: XCl4, XCl3, XCl2. This illustrates the
- A) law of multiple proportions
- B) law of definite proportions
- C) law of conservation of mass
- D) law of chemical proportions
Correct Answer: B) law of definite proportions
Explanation
The question is asking about an element, X, and its compounds with chlorine, specifically XCl4, XCl3, and XCl2. The question then asks which law is illustrated by these compounds.
The answer to this question is the law of definite proportions, which states that a given chemical compound always contains its component elements in fixed ratio by mass. In other words, the ratio of the masses of the constituent elements in a compound is always the same.
This means that for any given compound, the ratio of the masses of the elements in it will always be the same, regardless of how much of the compound is present. So, for example, water will always have a ratio of 2:1 of hydrogen to oxygen by mass, no matter how much water is present.
In the case of XCl4, XCl3, and XCl2, the fixed ratios of the elements in each compound illustrate the law of definite proportions.
It is important to note that this law applies only to compounds, not to mixtures. To learn more about the law of definite proportions and related topics, please consult your recommended Chemistry textbooks.