Chapter 11, Problem 41A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The explanation should be provided for interpreting a balanced chemical reaction in terms of mass by using the conservation of mass.

Concept introduction:

The law of conservation of mass explained that the quantity of each element involved in the reaction should remain constant over the course of a chemical reaction.

Explanation of Solution

The law of conservation of mass explained that the quantity of each element involved in the reaction should remain constant over the course of a chemical reaction so, the quantity of each element involved in the reaction must be balanced in each side of a chemical equation. In order to balance the reactions, coefficients are used. The mole ratios are determined from the coefficients of a balanced chemical equation. Using this mole ratios and converting the moles to grams by multiplying the moles with molar mass of the species, the obtained mass on both sides (reactants and products) of the chemical equation must be same.