Understanding the Conservation of Mass
The Conservation of Mass is an important idea. It tells us that in a chemical reaction, mass can’t be created or destroyed. This idea helps us understand both physical changes and chemical changes. Let's look at how it works for each type of change.
What are Physical Changes?
Physical changes change how a substance looks or feels, but they don't change what the substance is made of. Some examples are melting, freezing, and dissolving.
Mass Conservation in Physical Changes
When a physical change happens, the total mass stays the same. For example, if you freeze 100 grams of water, it will still weigh 100 grams even though it becomes ice.
What are Chemical Changes?
Chemical changes create new substances. These new substances have different properties and often involve changes in energy. Examples include burning something (combustion) or rust forming on metal.
Mass Conservation in Chemical Changes
In a chemical reaction, the total mass before and after the reaction does not change. For instance, when methane (a type of gas) burns with oxygen, it makes carbon dioxide and water. Here’s the equation:
If you start with 16 grams of methane and 64 grams of oxygen, together they weigh 80 grams. After the reaction, you will end up with 44 grams of carbon dioxide and 36 grams of water, which also equals 80 grams.
In both physical and chemical changes, the Conservation of Mass shows us that mass stays the same. This helps us understand that matter changes form but doesn’t just disappear.
Understanding the Conservation of Mass
The Conservation of Mass is an important idea. It tells us that in a chemical reaction, mass can’t be created or destroyed. This idea helps us understand both physical changes and chemical changes. Let's look at how it works for each type of change.
What are Physical Changes?
Physical changes change how a substance looks or feels, but they don't change what the substance is made of. Some examples are melting, freezing, and dissolving.
Mass Conservation in Physical Changes
When a physical change happens, the total mass stays the same. For example, if you freeze 100 grams of water, it will still weigh 100 grams even though it becomes ice.
What are Chemical Changes?
Chemical changes create new substances. These new substances have different properties and often involve changes in energy. Examples include burning something (combustion) or rust forming on metal.
Mass Conservation in Chemical Changes
In a chemical reaction, the total mass before and after the reaction does not change. For instance, when methane (a type of gas) burns with oxygen, it makes carbon dioxide and water. Here’s the equation:
If you start with 16 grams of methane and 64 grams of oxygen, together they weigh 80 grams. After the reaction, you will end up with 44 grams of carbon dioxide and 36 grams of water, which also equals 80 grams.
In both physical and chemical changes, the Conservation of Mass shows us that mass stays the same. This helps us understand that matter changes form but doesn’t just disappear.