Question

Using the same image of the vinegar and baking soda chemical reaction... A scientist finds that the total mass after the compounds react, is less than the sum of the masses before they react. Which 2 statements explain this observation. (1 point) Responses Some of the mass has escaped as a gas. Some of the mass has escaped as a gas. Some of the mass was destroyed during the reaction. Some of the mass was destroyed during the reaction. Law of conservation of mass. Mass can not be created nor destroyed. Law of conservation of mass. Mass can not be created nor destroyed. There is no way the mass can be different.

Answer 1

The two statements that best explain the observation that the total mass after the reaction is less than the sum of the masses before the reaction are:

1. Some of the mass has escaped as a gas.
2. Law of conservation of mass. Mass cannot be created nor destroyed.

These responses highlight that while mass is conserved in a chemical reaction, if gas is released during the reaction, it would result in a lower measured mass after the reaction.