Chapter U4.71, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The change in mass during a physical or chemical change must be explained.

Concept introduction:

Law of conservation of mass states that mass can’t be created or destroyed. It can only be converted to energy.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

Mass change doesn’t take place in physical or chemical change.

Explanation of Solution

A balanced chemical equation shows that number of each atom is same in reactant and product side. Thus total mass of reactant is equal to total mass of products.

For physical change, the form of substance might change. For example when some amount of solid iodine is sublimed then apparently it is a mass loss. However it is not the case of mass loss. The amount of iodine sublimed is equal to the iodine vapor added to the atmosphere.

Conclusion

Mass doesn’t change in physical or chemical change.