The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
equivalent weight
The equivalent weight of an element or radical is equal to its atomic weight or formula weight divided by the valence it assumes in compounds. The unit of equivalent weight is the atomic mass unit; the amount of a substance in grams numerically equal to the equivalent weight is called a gram equivalent. Hydrogen has atomic weight 1.008 and always assumes valence 1 in compounds, so its equivalent weight is 1.008. Oxygen has an atomic weight of 15.9994 and always assumes valence 2 in compounds, so its equivalent weight is 7.9997. The sulfate radical (SO4) has formula weight 96.0636 and always has valence 2 in compounds, so its equivalent weight is 48.0318. Some elements exhibit more than one valence in forming compounds and thus have more than one equivalent weight. Iron (atomic weight 55.845) has an equivalent weight of 27.9225 in ferrous compounds (valence 2) and 18.615 in ferric compounds (valence 3). The weight proportion in which elements or radicals combine to form compounds can be determined from their equivalent weights. For example, hydrogen can combine with oxygen to form water; the weight proportion of oxygen to hydrogen in water is the same as the proportion of their equivalent weights, 7.9997 to 1.008 or 7.946 to 1; there is 1 weight of hydrogen for every 7.946 weights of oxygen, or water is about 11.2% hydrogen (by weight). Iron forms two oxides: ferrous oxide (FeO), in which there are 27.9225 weights of iron for each 7.9997 weights of oxygen, and ferric oxide (Fe2O3), in which there are 18.615 weights of iron for every 7.9997 weights of oxygen.
