Understanding the Law of Conservation of Mass: Answers to Your Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter MRCHEM
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of the conservation of mass, emphasizing that atoms are neither created nor destroyed during physical or chemical changes. When a fetus is formed, the atoms that constitute it come from the food consumed by the mother, which are rearranged to build the developing embryo. This process illustrates that atoms are recycled rather than newly created. The conversation also touches on the implications of atomic rearrangement in extreme scenarios, such as a planetary explosion, where atoms would disperse but still not be created or destroyed. The atomic composition of a person is ultimately a combination of existing atoms from both parents and the food consumed, reinforcing the idea that all matter is interconnected and recycled in nature.
MRCHEM
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
it is said in our book that when matter undergoes changes whether physicaly or chemically, the atoms are merely rearranged. no atom is created nor destroyed. (the law of conservation of mass)

but isn't it that we are made of atom then if I am made up of atom an atom is created when I am born. I am confused please help me
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
as i said before, atoms arent created, just recycled.
 
As the mother eats atoms of <insert whatever food she eats>, some of the atoms are used to build the developing embryo/fetus, and some go to rebuild the parts of her own body that are losing atoms (such as skin cells that die and get replaced). So atoms are just moved around, not created.
 
Even more simply put:

you - as a newly-created fetus - were created from existing atoms that were eaten by your mother and converted into proteins and other building blocks.
 
what if i have a big bomb that can blow up Earth then how can atom be rearranged or recycled?
 
they would be disperesd from the Kinetic Energy that they receive from the Explotiopn and disintigration of the planetary bodyand no you can't create and destroy atoms (unles you go into quantum theory or beond the standard model) you can change atoms using fusion and fision, but this dosent happen in birth

and ic could potentialy happen in the planetary scenario
 
Yes, you would end up with a bunch of iron and nickel atoms floating around in space.
 
Along with the rearrangment of atoms from consumed food of the mother, you are the combined result of DNA from both parents. DNA is obviously made up of purines and pyrimidines. Purines and pyrimidines are of course organic compounds. So you see, your atomic make-up was never "created," just the combined result of already existing atomic mass.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Yes, you would end up with a bunch of iron and nickel atoms floating around in space.

You forgot silicon :smile:
 

Similar threads

Law of Conservation of Mass: Big Bombs & Earth
Replies
11
Views
4K
Why wasn't fluorine used as a standard for atomic mass?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Atomic Conservation in Ionized Hydrogen Gas
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the exact definition of an octahedral hole in an ionic solid?
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Conflict between the conservation of matter and the rapid expansion of our universe
Replies
18
Views
652
How can we prove the law of conservation of mass
Replies
8
Views
6K
Law of Conservation of Mass: Explaining the Confusion
Replies
9
Views
3K
B Mass Reduction in Combustion: Real or Myth?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Does Conservation of Mass Make This "Health Study" Invalid?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Why Is Understanding Biochemistry Foundations Crucial for Medical Students?
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top