Question

Assuming the magnesium ribbon only reacted with the oxygen in the air, which of the following would best describe the reaction taking place?

Option 1: The mass of the magnesium ribbon is the same as the mass of the residue because even though the oxygen in the air reacted with the magnesium, it doesn't matter because air has no mass.
Option 2: The mass of the magnesium ribbon is more than the mass of the residue because the oxygen in the air escapes and cannot be counted as mass.
Option 3: The mass of the magnesium ribbon is less than the mass of the residue because the oxygen in the air must be included as a reactant and has mass.

Answer 1

According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, the mass of the magnesium ribbon remains the same as the mass of the residue, including the oxygen that reacted.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between magnesium ribbon and oxygen in the air results in the formation of magnesium oxide. According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, no matter is lost or created during a chemical reaction. Therefore, the mass of the magnesium ribbon will be the same as the mass of the residue, including the oxygen that reacted.

Option 1: The mass of the magnesium ribbon is the same as the mass of the residue because, even though the oxygen in the air reacted with the magnesium, it doesn't matter because air has no mass.