A student was adding baking soda and vinegar in a bottle. They then put a balloon on top of the bottle immediately after adding them together. The student observed that the balloon inflated and got larger. The student then predicted that the chemical reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda had created brand new matter, and would have more mass at the end of the reaction. Would you agree with the student’s prediction or not? Explain your answer.

Question

A student was adding baking soda and vinegar in a bottle.  They then put a balloon on top of the bottle immediately after adding them together.  The student observed that the balloon inflated and got larger.  The student then predicted that the chemical reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda had created brand new matter, and would have more mass at the end of the reaction.   Would you agree with the student’s prediction or not?  Explain your answer.

oobleck · Answer

mass is conserved (neglecting heat involved), so no new matter a chemical change converted some of the vinegar and soda to a gas. read up on chemical reactions