Which of the following statements is correct according to the law of conservation of mass?
Mass can neither be created nor be destroyed in a chemical reaction.
Law of Conservation of Mass Explained
The law of conservation of mass is a core principle in chemistry. It states that for any system closed to all transfers of matter and energy, the mass of the system must remain constant over time. This means that mass cannot be gained or lost, only rearranged.
Understanding the Principle in Chemical Reactions
In the context of a chemical reaction, the law of conservation of mass means that the total mass of all the substances reacting (reactants) must be exactly equal to the total mass of all the substances produced (products). Atoms are rearranged during a chemical reaction to form new substances, but the atoms themselves are conserved.
For example, when water (\(H_2O\)) is formed by the reaction of hydrogen (\(H_2\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)), the mass of the hydrogen and oxygen consumed will equal the mass of the water produced.
Mathematically, this can be represented as:
\( \sum \text{Mass of Reactants} = \sum \text{Mass of Products} \)Analyzing the Provided Statements
Let's evaluate each option based on the law of conservation of mass:
- Option 1: Mass can neither be created nor be destroyed in a chemical reaction. This statement is the fundamental definition of the law of conservation of mass. It accurately describes the principle.
- Option 2: Mass can be destroyed in a chemical reaction. This contradicts the law. The law states that mass is conserved and cannot be destroyed.
- Option 3: ‘Mass can be created in a chemical reaction. This also contradicts the law. Mass cannot be created during a chemical reaction according to this principle.
- Option 4: Mass can be created but cannot be destroyed in a chemical reaction. This statement is incorrect because it allows for the creation of mass, which violates the conservation law. The law requires that mass is neither created nor destroyed.
Conclusion on Mass Conservation
Therefore, the statement that correctly describes the law of conservation of mass is that mass can neither be created nor be destroyed in a chemical reaction. This principle is fundamental to understanding stoichiometry and balancing chemical equations.
Similar Questions
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- Which of the following statements is/are true or false?
Statements:
A) H$_2$SO$_4$ is used in the refining of petroleum to remove sulphur and other compounds.
B) The basic nature of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is due to the presence of Hydrogen ions in the solution.
Important Questions from Acids, Bases & Salts
When a large amount of carbon dioxide dissolves in a water body, the water becomes acidic because of the formation of which of the following acids?
Which one of the following oxides is a neutral oxide?
- Which of the following solutions is slightly acidic due to hydrolysis?
- Which of the following foods would you advise to neutralise excess stomach acids?
- What is the primary contributor to the sour taste in foods like lemons, vinegar and yoghurt?
