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Why is it important to always subtract the earlier value from the later value when finding the change in mass,instead of always subtracting the smaller value from the larger one?

User Proactif
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Final answer:

When finding the change in mass, it is important to always subtract the earlier value from the later value rather than subtracting the smaller value from the larger one. This ensures accurate representation of the change in mass and is particularly important in scientific experiments or chemical reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When finding the change in mass, it is important to always subtract the earlier value from the later value rather than subtracting the smaller value from the larger one because this ensures that the change in mass is accurately represented. By subtracting the earlier value from the later value, we are able to determine the increase or decrease in mass over time. This is particularly important in scientific experiments or chemical reactions where tracking changes in mass is necessary for understanding conservation of mass and energy.

User JadedCore
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Mass and energy are inter convertible.As per Einsteins mass and energy relations i.e
E=Mc^2,some amount of energy is lost that is converted into energy .

In our day to day life ,generally mass is lost and energy is formed. In a ideal assumption we subtract the mass of earlier one from the later one which indirectly denotes that some amount of mass is lost and energy is released .There is also endothermic reactions where energy is needed which does not mean mass is added.Here simply energy is needed to initiate the reactions.

So instead of subtracting the smaller value from lager we subtract the initial value from final as the latter one can explain a physical phenomenon in a better way.we can get some in formation from it.

User Korakot
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