Question

1. explain how the law of definite proportions defines the composition of compounds.
2. what type of compounds are compared in the law of multiple proportions? (what do they have in common? what is different?)

Explanation:

1. The law of definite proportions states that a given chemical compound always contains its component elements in fixed ratio (by mass) regardless of its source or method of preparation. So, it defines the consistent mass - to - mass ratio of elements in a compound.
2. In the law of multiple proportions, compounds formed from the same two (or more) elements are compared. They have the same elements in common, but the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in the ratio of small whole numbers.

Answer:

1. A given compound always has elements in a fixed mass - to - mass ratio as per the law of definite proportions.
2. Compounds formed from the same elements are compared. They share the same elements, and the mass ratios of elements in different compounds are in small whole - number ratios.