Conservation of Mass Flashcards
What is the conservation of mass?
During a chemical reaction, no atoms are destroyed and no atoms are created.
What does the conservation of mass tell you about the number and types of atoms in a reaction?
The number and types of atoms are the same on each size.
What system is needed to see the conservation of mass in a reaction, and why?
A closed system, as the total mass before and after doesn’t change.
What is a closed system?
A system where nothing can get in or out.
What type of reaction could show the conservation of mass?
Precipitation reaction.
What is the reason that the mass may increase?
Because at least one of the reactants is a gas that’s found in air (e.g. oxygen) and the products are solids, liquids or aqueous.
What is the reason that the mass may decrease?
Because some, or all, of the reactants are solids, liquids or aqueous and at least one of the products is a gas.
Why can a gas escape it’s container?
Because gases expand to fill their container, and if it is not sealed, it can escape through the gap.
