Question

A chemical reaction in which calcium carbonate, CaCO₃, is decomposed results in the production of two simpler compounds. What mass of calcium carbonate, to the nearest hundredth of a gram, is decomposed in this reaction?

A) 100.12 g
B) 112.01 g
C) 45.06 g
D) 90.12 g

Answer 1

The law of conservation of mass indicates that the mass of calcium carbonate decomposed to yield calcium oxide and carbon dioxide is 10.0 grams, as the total mass does not change during the reaction. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this decomposition reaction of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the law of conservation of mass dictates that the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products. Looking at the provided examples, we can see if you start with 10.0 grams of CaCO3, it decomposes to form 4.4 g of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and 5.6 g of calcium oxide (CaO), which also totals 10.0 grams. Therefore, the total mass of calcium carbonate decomposed is 10.0 grams, and the mass remains conserved as per the law of conservation of mass.