Multiple Choice
Which statement is true for most chemical reactions according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?
2. Atoms & Elements
Law of Conservation of Mass
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Which process removes carbon from the atmosphere, demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Mass?
A
Combustion
B
Photosynthesis
C
Decomposition
D
Respiration
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products.
Identify the processes listed: Combustion, Photosynthesis, Decomposition, and Respiration. Each of these processes involves chemical reactions that either release or absorb carbon.
Consider the process of Photosynthesis. In this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and use sunlight to convert it into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). This process effectively removes carbon from the atmosphere.
Write the balanced chemical equation for Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation shows that carbon dioxide is used as a reactant, thus removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Conclude that Photosynthesis is the process that demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass by removing carbon from the atmosphere, as the mass of carbon in the reactants (CO2) is conserved in the products (C6H12O6).
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