Question detail
Why might a reaction involving a metal and oxygen result in a greater mass of product than the original metal?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
Question
- A. The metal loses mass during the reaction
- B. Oxygen is added to the metal
- C. The reaction is incomplete
- D. The metal is converted to a gas
Answer
Oxygen is added to the metal
Explanation
When a metal reacts with oxygen, the mass of the resulting metal oxide is greater because the mass of the oxygen is added to the mass of the metal.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Mass Changes
Students often think that the mass of a system always remains constant, even when gases are involved in reactions.
Emphasize that gas escape or uptake can lead to apparent mass changes in an open system, and relate this to the conservation of mass principle.
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