Chapter U4.4, Problem 3E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether matter is gained or lost during sulfuric acid formation from sulfur trioxide and water must be explained.

Concept Introduction :

Matter can’t be created or destroyed. Matter can be converted to other matter or energy.

Answer to Problem 3E

Neither matter is gained nor matter is lost during sulfuric acid formation from sulfur trioxide and water.

Explanation of Solution

For any chemical reaction, the total mass of left hand side (reactant side) is same as that of right hand side (product side).

The reaction is represented as follows:

  $S{O}_3\left(g\right)+H_{2}O\left(l\right)\to H_{2}S{O}_4\left(l\right)$

From the reaction it is clear that one mole of SO₃(80 g) and one mole of H₂O (18 g) reacted to produce one mole of H₂SO4 (98 g). Thus, total mass is conserved in the reaction.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of each atoms in the right-hand side of the chemical equation must be counted. Based on this, conservation of mass needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

In a balanced chemical equation,number of different atoms remains same in both the sides. Law of conservation of mass states that mass can’t be created or destroyed. It can be converted to energy.

Answer to Problem 3E

There are two hydrogen atoms, four oxygen atoms and one sulfur atom on the right side of the equation. .

Explanation of Solution

As number of atoms in both the side of the equation is same it can be said that the total mass of reactants are equal to total mass of the product. Thus, no mass is generated or no mass is lost.

It is an evidence of conservation of mass.