Cannizzaro (1826-1910)

Popularized Avogadro's Hypothesis and showed how it and gas densities could be used to find the relative weights (i.e. masses) of gas molecules.

For example, if equal volumes of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas at the same temperature are weighed, the oxygen gas is16 times heavier than the hydrogen gas. If a weight of 16 amu is assumed for an oxygen atom, a hydrogen atom must weigh 1 amu.

 


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