Multiple Choice
According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, what happens to the atoms during a chemical reaction?
65
views
2. Atoms & Elements
Law of Conservation of Mass
Multiple Choice
Which statement best explains how the law of conservation of mass applies when a log burns in a closed container?
A
The mass increases because new substances are created during burning.
B
The total mass of the container and its contents remains the same before and after burning.
C
The mass of the container decreases as gases escape.
D
The mass of the log decreases because mass is lost as heat.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the law of conservation of mass: it states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system during a chemical reaction.
Identify the system in the problem: the log burning inside a closed container means no matter can enter or leave the system.
Recognize that burning (combustion) is a chemical reaction where the log reacts with oxygen to form new substances like gases and ash.
Since the container is closed, all products of the reaction (gases, ash, heat energy) remain inside, so the total mass inside the container does not change.
Conclude that the total mass of the container and its contents before burning must be equal to the total mass after burning, illustrating the law of conservation of mass.
Related Videos
Related Practice
