Question

Is it possible for the same two elements to form more than one compound? Is this consistent with Dalton's atomic theory? Give an example.

Short answer

Yes, it is possible for the same two elements to form more than one compound, and this is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory. This phenomenon is known as the law of multiple proportions, which states that when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in a simple whole-number ratio. An example is the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) by carbon and oxygen, where CO has a 1:1 atomic ratio and CO₂ has a 1:2 atomic ratio.

Step-by-step solution

1. Understanding Dalton's Atomic Theory

Dalton's atomic theory is based on a set of postulates which include: - All matter is made up of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms. - Atoms of the same element are identical in mass and properties, but they differ from atoms of other elements. - Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed in chemical reactions, only rearranged. - In a chemical reaction, atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds.

2. Formation of Multiple Compounds Using the Same Two Elements

It is indeed possible for the same two elements to combine in different whole-number ratios to form more than one compound. This phenomenon is known as the law of multiple proportions, which states that when two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in a simple whole-number ratio. This is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory, which states that atoms combine in simple whole-number ratios. Hence, the same elements can combine in different whole-number ratios to produce different compounds.

3. Example: Carbon and Oxygen Forming Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide

Both carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are compounds formed by carbon and oxygen. In carbon monoxide, one atom of carbon combines with one atom of oxygen (1:1 atomic ratio), while in carbon dioxide, one atom of carbon combines with two atoms of oxygen (1:2 atomic ratio). These two compounds have different properties and distinct chemical behaviors, even though they are formed from the same elements, carbon and oxygen. This demonstrates that the same two elements can indeed form multiple compounds, in agreement with both the law of multiple proportions and Dalton's atomic theory.