Answer
See explanation
Work Step by Step
The law of multiple proportions states that when two elements form more than one compound, the ratio of the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element is always a ratio of small whole numbers.
In the case of the three most stable oxides of carbon (CO, CO2, and C3O2), the compound is composed of carbon and oxygen. By using the molecular formula of these compounds, we can see that the ratio of the number of moles of carbon to the number of moles of oxygen is a ratio of small whole numbers:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) = 1 mole of Carbon: 1 mole of Oxygen (1:1)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) = 1 mole of Carbon: 2 moles of Oxygen (1:2)
Carbon Suboxide (C3O2) = 3 moles of Carbon : 2 moles of Oxygen (3:2)
The ratio of the number of moles of carbon to the number of moles of oxygen in the three compounds is 1:1, 1:2, and 3:2. These are all ratio of small whole numbers which support the law of multiple proportions. Therefore, these molecules illustrate the law of multiple proportions by showing that when two elements form more than one compound, the ratio of the number of moles of one element that combine with a fixed number of moles of the other element is always a ratio of small whole numbers.
