Problems - Atoms and Molecules

Author: John Hutchinson

Problem 1	Assume that matter does not consist of atoms. Show by example how this assumption leads to hypothetical predictions which contradict the Law of Multiple Proportions. Do these hypothetical examples contradict the Law of Definite Proportions? Are both observations required for confirmation of the atomic theory?
Problem 2	Two compounds, A and B, are formed entirely from hydrogen and carbon. Compound A is 80.0% carbon by mass, and 20.0% hydrogen, whereas Compound B is 83.3% carbon by mass and 16.7% hydrogen. Demonstrate that these two compounds obey the Law of Multiple Proportions. Explain why these results strongly indicate that the elements carbon and hydrogen are composed of atoms.
Problem 3	In many chemical reactions, mass does not appear to be a conserved quantity. For example, when a tin can rusts, the resultant rusty tin can has a greater mass than before rusting. When a candle burns, the remaining candle has invariably less mass than before it was burned. Provide an explanation of these observations, and describe an experiment which would demonstrate that mass is actually conserved in these chemical reactions.
Problem 4	The following question was posed on an exam: An unknown non-metal element (Q) forms two gaseous fluorides of unknown molecular formula. A 3.2 g sample of Q reacts with fluorine to form 10.8 g of the unknown fluoride A. A 6.4 g sample of Q reacts with fluorine to form 29.2 g of unknown fluoride B. Using these data only, demonstrate by calculation and explanation that these unknown compounds obey the Law of Multiple Proportions. A student responded with the following answer: The Law of Multiple Proportions states that when two elements form two or more compounds, the ratios of the masses of the elements between the two compounds are in a simple whole number ratio. So, looking at the data above, we see that the ratio of the mass of element Q in compound A to the mass of element Q in compound B is 3.2:6.4=1:2, which is a simple whole number ratio. This demonstrates that these compounds obey the Law of Multiple Proportions. Assess the accuracy of the students answer. In your assessment, you must determine what information is correct or incorrect, provide the correct information where needed, explain whether the reasoning is logical or not, and provide logical reasoning where needed.