multiple proportions, law of
- multiple proportions, law of
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statement that when two elements combine with each other to form more than one compound, the weights of one element that combine with a fixed weight of the other are in a ratio of small whole numbers. For example, there are five distinct oxides of nitrogen, and the weights of oxygen in combination with 14 grams of nitrogen are, in increasing order, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 grams, or in a ratio of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The law was announced (1804) by the English chemist John Dalton (
Dalton, John), and its confirmation for a wide range of compounds served as the most powerful argument in support of Dalton's theory that matter consists of indivisible atoms.
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Universalium.
2010.
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Law of multiple proportions — In chemistry, the law of multiple proportions is one of the basic laws and a major tool of chemical measurement (stoichiometry). It states that when elements combine they do so in a ratio of small whole numbers. For example, carbon and oxygen… … Wikipedia
law of multiple proportions — n a statement in chemistry: when two elements combine in more than one proportion to form two or more compounds the weights of one element that combine with a given weight of the other element are in the ratios of small whole numbers * * * when… … Medical dictionary
law of multiple proportions — noun (chemistry) law stating that when two elements can combine to form more than one compound the amounts of one of them that combines with a fixed amount of the other will exhibit a simple multiple relation • Syn: ↑Dalton s law • Topics:… … Useful english dictionary
law of nature — noun a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature (Freq. 3) the laws of thermodynamics • Syn: ↑law • Hypernyms: ↑concept, ↑conception, ↑construct • … Useful english dictionary
Law of definite proportions — In chemistry, the law of definite proportions, sometimes called Proust s Law, states that a chemical compound always contains exactly the same proportion of elements by mass. An equivalent statement is the law of constant composition, which… … Wikipedia
Law of definite proportions — Definite Def i*nite, a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. d[ e]fini. See {Define}.] 1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a definite measure; a definite period or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
law — 1. A principle or rule. 2. A statement of fact detailing a sequence or relation of phenomena that is invariable under given conditions. SEE ALSO: principle, rule, theorem. [A.S. lagu] Alexander l. states that a jerky nystagmus becomes worse when… … Medical dictionary
Law of multiple proportion — Multiple Mul ti*ple, a. [Cf. F. multiple, and E. quadruple, and multiply.] Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts. [1913 Webster] {Law of multiple… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Law of Dalton — Multiple Mul ti*ple, a. [Cf. F. multiple, and E. quadruple, and multiply.] Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts. [1913 Webster] {Law of multiple… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Multiple — Mul ti*ple, a. [Cf. F. multiple, and E. quadruple, and multiply.] Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts. [1913 Webster] {Law of multiple proportion} … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
