Multiple Choice
Which process is primarily responsible for removing CO2 from the atmosphere according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?
168
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Law of Conservation of Mass
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following processes is an example of the Law of Conservation of Mass?
A
Photosynthesis converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen
B
Melting of ice into water
C
Evaporation of water from a lake
D
Burning wood resulting in ash and smoke
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass: This law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products.
Analyze each process: For each given process, determine if the mass of the substances before the process is equal to the mass of the substances after the process.
Photosynthesis: In this process, carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. Write the balanced chemical equation: \( 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \). Check if the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Melting of ice: This is a physical change where ice (solid water) turns into liquid water. The mass of water remains the same before and after melting, but this is a physical change, not a chemical reaction.
Burning wood: This is a chemical reaction where wood reacts with oxygen to produce ash, smoke, and gases. The mass of the reactants (wood and oxygen) should equal the mass of the products (ash, smoke, and gases), but often gases escape, making it seem like mass is lost. This process can be tricky to measure accurately in terms of mass conservation.
1:48mWatch next
Master Law of Conservation of Mass with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Law of Conservation of Mass practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations