Chapter 19, Problem 50R

To determine

To explain: The law of conservation of mass by interpreting the answer in previous problem.

Answer to Problem 50R

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of propane burning in the oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water is

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{3}}{\text{H}}_{\text{8}}\left(\text{g}\right){\text{+5O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\to {\text{3CO}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\text{+}{\text{4H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(\text{g}\right)$

Because, the matter can never be created nor be destroyed in a chemical reaction, it remains the same in a chemical reaction, this is according to the law of conservation of mass.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the law of conservation of mass, the matter can never be created nor be destroyed in a chemical reaction, it remains the same in a chemical reaction.

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of propane burning in the oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water is

  ${\text{C}}_{\text{3}}{\text{H}}_{\text{8}}\left(\text{g}\right){\text{+5O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\to {\text{3CO}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\text{+}{\text{4H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(\text{g}\right)$

In this reaction, since, the number of atoms of same elements are equal on both sides thus, total mass on the reactant side will be equal to that of the product side.

Conclusion:

Thus, the answer of the previous question explains the law conservation of mass.