Chapter 15.2, Problem 11R

To determine

The significance of the law of conservation of mass during chemical changes.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor be destroyed during any chemical change. The total mass of any substance remains same after the reaction.

Matter is defined as substance that occupies space and has certain mass.

Consider an example of burning of woods. When wood is burnt, it goes under a chemical change that is combustion. During the combustion, smoke, light, heat, etc. are produced. Some wood ash is left after complete combustion.

From the above, it is clear that the wood converted into different products. So, the total mass of the wood before combustion is equal to the total mass of the wood after combustion.

Conclusion:

Hence, matter is neither created nor destroyed during any chemical change.