What is it called when two or more different elements combine in a fixed proportion?

Answer 1

A chemical compound is a substance that is composed of two pr more different elements that are chemically bonded with each other in a fixed proportion by mass.

Answer 2

When two or more elements combine in a fixed proportion, the resulting substance is called a "compound". This is governed by the Law of Constant Composition - one of the most basic laws of chemistry.

What this means is that for example, sodium chloride will ALWAYS form in a ratio of 1 sodium atom to 1 chlorine atom. Water will ALWAYS form in a ratio of 2 hydrogen atoms to 1 oxygen atom.

Most people don't realize the real-world implications of this phenomenon. In essence, no matter WHAT the source of the compound - whether it is found in a natural capacity - for instance inside of a blueberry - OR whether the same compound is synthesized in a laboratory setting - it is the SAME exact compound with the SAME exact physical and chemical properties. Chemistry knows NO difference between a naturally synthesized compound and a laboratory-synthesized compound - they are identical - and just as safe, OR just as toxic, as each other.

Answer 3

Are you referring to the Law of Definite Proportions?