Chemical Combination Laws

Authors

  • Joyce Blair Easter Virginia Wesleyan University

Abstract

Atoms combine to form compounds, the identity of which is determined by the number and types of atoms it contains and represented by the chemical formula.  Early experiments demonstrated that elements combine in particular ratios, which are stated in the Law of Definite Proportions, the Law of Multiple Proportions, and the Law of Conservation of Mass. The chemical combination laws can be used to demonstrate the relationship between mass, moles, and numbers of atoms or molecules represented by the chemical formula. 

After completing this activity, students will be able to describe how chemical combination laws relate to chemical formulas; mole as a counting unit and relate moles to number of items; and define, interpret, and write a chemical formula and calculate formula mass.

Level: Undergraduate

Setting: Classroom

Activity Type: Learning Cycle

Discipline: Chemistry

Course: General Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry

Keywords: Conservation of Mass, Definite Proportions, Multiple Proportions, Chemical Formula, Formula Mass, Mole, Avogadro’s Number

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Published

2022-10-07

How to Cite

Easter, J. B. (2022). Chemical Combination Laws. POGIL Activity Clearinghouse, 3(3). Retrieved from https://pac.pogil.org/index.php/pac/article/view/291

Issue

Section

Activities for Testing