Question

Which statement correctly explains why the ashes of burnt paper have less mass than the original paper?(1 point)
Responses

Some of the atoms in the paper became gases.
Some of the atoms in the paper became gases.

Some of the atoms in the paper are destroyed when it burns.
Some of the atoms in the paper are destroyed when it burns.

Other atoms combine with the paper to produce the ash.
Other atoms combine with the paper to produce the ash.

The ash is created from new atoms that have less mass than the paper.

Answer 1

Correct answer: "Some of the atoms in the paper became gases."

Explanation: Burning is a chemical reaction that converts much of the paper into gaseous products (e.g., CO2, H2O vapor) that escape into the air. The atoms are not destroyed; they are conserved but leave as gases, so the remaining ash has less mass.