Compound A has 12 g of carbon combining with 16 g of oxygen. Compound B has 12 g of carbon combining with 32 g of oxygen. What is the simplest ratio of oxygen masses in both compounds?
A. 1:2
B. 2:1
C. 3:2
D. 4:3
Answer (2)
The simplest ratio of oxygen masses in both compounds is 1:2, meaning that for every 1 part of oxygen in Compound A, there are 2 parts in Compound B. Therefore, the correct answer is option A. 1:2.
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To solve this question, we will use the law of multiple proportions, which states that when two elements combine to form two or more compounds, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in the ratio of small whole numbers.
Let's calculate the simplest ratio of the masses of oxygen in both compounds.
Compound A consists of 12 g of carbon combined with 16 g of oxygen.
Compound B consists of 12 g of carbon combined with 32 g of oxygen.
To find the ratio of the mass of oxygen combining with a fixed mass of carbon in both compounds, we consider the oxygen masses:
For Compound A, the mass of oxygen is 16 g.
For Compound B, the mass of oxygen is 32 g.
Now, let's find the ratio of the masses of oxygen in both compounds:
Ratio of masses of oxygen in Compound A to Compound B = 32 g 16 g = 2 1
Therefore, the simplest ratio of the oxygen masses in both compounds is 1:2.
So, the correct option is (A) 1:2.
