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Mass changes in open chemical reactions

Quantitative chemistry • Measurements and conservation of mass

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • A non-enclosed system allows matter to exchange between the reaction vessel and its surroundings.
  • When gases escape, the mass of the vessel changes.
  • In a closed system, particles cannot enter or leave, so the total mass remains unchanged.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Identify an experimental factor that can mask a small mass change when gas escapes.

Click to reveal answer

Low balance precision can mask small mass losses; tiny amounts of escaping gas might not significantly alter measurements.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

An open system permits particle exchange; a closed system does not.

Balanced equations display all reactants; check for (g) state symbols.

Measured mass decreases when gaseous products escape the vessel.

Measured mass increases if gases from surroundings become part of the product.

Conservation of mass applies to total reactants and products, including escaped gases.

Experimental errors from leaks or balance precision affect observed mass changes.

Using sealed setups or gas collection measures true mass conservation in gas-releasing reactions.

Correct state symbols and balanced equations are vital for accurate predictions.

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