Final answer:
The formation of bubbles in a chemical reaction can cause a difference in mass before and after the reaction. This is typically due to the loss or gain of gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a reaction between two substances, the formation of bubbles can result in a difference in mass before and after the reaction. This is typically due to the loss or gain of gas. When bubbles form, they are often composed of gas that is generated during the reaction. If gas is released from the reaction, the mass after the reaction will be less than the mass before the reaction, indicating a loss of gas (option a). Conversely, if gas is absorbed or produced during the reaction, the mass after the reaction will be greater than the mass before the reaction, indicating a gain of gas (option b).