Step 1: Calculate the percentage composition of carbon and oxygen in each of the two oxides:
Step 2: Calculate the weights of carbon which combine with a fixed weight i.e., one part by weight of oxygen in each of the two oxides. In the first oxide, 57.1 parts by weight of oxygen combine with carbon = 42.9 parts.
1 part by weight of oxygen will combine with carbon
= \(\frac{42.9}{57.1}\)
= 0.751
In the second oxide, 72.7 parts by weight of oxygen combine with carbon = 27.3 parts,
1 part by weight of oxygen will combine with carbon
= \(\frac{27.3}{72.7}\)
= 0.376 parts
Step 3: Compare the weights of carbon which combine with the same weight of oxygen in both the oxides. The ratio of the weights of carbon that combine with the same weight of oxygen (1 part) is 0.751 : 0.376 or 2 : 1 Since this is a simple whole.number ratio, so the above data illustrate the law of multiple proportions.
