3 Basic Laws of Matter

The Law of Conservation of Mass

Law of Conservation of Mass = matter is

neither created nor destroyed. This law
is credited to Lavoisier (1743–1794).
ex: Consider the decomposition of water
into its elements.

The Law of Definite Proportions

The Law of Definite Proportions = a

given compound always contains
exactly the same proportion (ratio)
of elements by mass. (Proust, 1820)
— contains 2 H’s = 2(1.01) = 2.02
— contains 1 O = 1(16.00) = 16.00
The total is the molar mass, or molecular
weight of water = 18.02 g/mol. Thus,
water is always 11.2% H and 88.8% O by mass.

The Law of Multiple Proportions

The Law of Multiple Proportions = when

2 elements form a series of compounds,
the ratios of the 2nd elements that combine
with the first element can be reduced to
small whole numbers. (Dalton, 1820)
ex: CO vs. CO₂