if two or more compounds are composed of the same two elements, then the ratio of the masses of the second element that is combined with a certain mass of the first element is always a ratio of small whole numbers. this statement is called the law of

The statement you provided is called the Law of Multiple Proportions.

Explanation:

• When two or more compounds are composed of the same two elements,
• The ratio of the masses of the second element that combine with a fixed mass of the first element
• Is always a ratio of small whole numbers.

This law was formulated by John Dalton and is one of the fundamental laws of chemical combination, supporting the atomic theory.