Question

A science student is investigating the changes that occur to a bell pepper as it ages. The student asks if the law of conservation of mass applies to these changes.

Which steps would be most useful to include in an investigation of this question?

Select the two correct answers.

Responses

Measure the mass of the sealed jar, with the pepper inside, every day.
Measure the mass of the sealed jar, with the pepper inside, every day.

Seal the pepper inside a large glass jar.
Seal the pepper inside a large glass jar.

Measure the mass of the pepper by itself, without its container, every day.
Measure the mass of the pepper by itself, without its container, every day.

Use a blender to mix all the parts of the pepper together.
Use a blender to mix all the parts of the pepper together.

Place the pepper inside a glass jar, with the top open.

Answer 1

The two most useful steps to include in the investigation of whether the law of conservation of mass applies to the changes occurring to a bell pepper as it ages would be:

1. **Seal the pepper inside a large glass jar.** - This ensures that no mass is lost to the outside environment, allowing for an accurate measurement of mass changes over time.

2. **Measure the mass of the sealed jar, with the pepper inside, every day.** - By measuring the combined mass of the jar and the pepper, you can monitor any changes in mass that occur as the pepper ages, which is essential for evaluating the law of conservation of mass.

These two steps will allow the student to gather data that is relevant to understanding mass changes over time in a controlled environment.