Why is a closed system required for conservation of mass to be observed in a chemical reaction?

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a closed system can exchange both energy and matter with its surroundings
a closed system cannot exchange energy or matter with its surroundings
a closed system can exchange energy with its surroundings but not matter
the statement is false, you can check conservation of mass using an open system

1 answer

a closed system cannot exchange energy or matter with its surroundings

In order for conservation of mass to be observed in a chemical reaction, it is essential that no mass is lost or gained from the system. This can only be guaranteed in a closed system, where no matter can enter or leave the system during the reaction. If a system is open and can exchange matter with its surroundings, it could potentially lead to mass being lost or gained, making it impossible to accurately observe the conservation of mass.