Chemistry · Laws of chemical combination, Atomic and molecular masses

Compound and are two oxides of sulfur. Compound A is 50\% sulfur by mass, while

Compound \( A \) and \( B \) are two oxides of sulfur. Compound A is 50\% sulfur by mass, while Compound B is \( 40 \% \) sulfur by mass. Given the atomic masses of sulfur and oxygen are 32 amu and 16 am \( u \) respectively, which of the following statements is NOT a valid interpretation of these data? This question has multiple correct options

  • A. Compound A could have the formula, \( S O_{2} \)
  • B. Compound B could have the formula, \( S O_{2} \)
  • C. Compound A and B illustrate Dalton's law of multiple proportions.
  • D. Compound A could have the formula, \( S O \).

Step-by-step solution

Compound B is 40% sulfur by mass. For SO2, the sulfur mass percent is (32)/(32+32)=50%, not 40%. Therefore, B cannot be SO2.
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