148k views
3 votes
A log is burned in a fireplace until only ashes remain. The mass of the ashes in the fireplace is less than the mass of the log. Explain this in ralation to the conservation of matter ​

User Kunashir
by
3.4k points

2 Answers

3 votes
Overview. It may seem as though burning destroys matter, but the same amount, or mass, of matter still exists after a campfire as before. The mass of matter is always the same before and after the changes occur.
User Jmegaffin
by
3.1k points
2 votes

Explanation: It is not an exception. The supposed loss of weight is accounted for by the gases escaping from the reaction. If we weigh the gases and the ashes, it will be the same as the log of wood

There are no exceptions to the law of conservation of mass

User Dylan Nicholson
by
3.0k points