Understanding the Law of Conservation of Mass: Mathematical and Verbal Proofs

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SUMMARY

The Law of Conservation of Mass, established by Lomonosov and Lavoisier, asserts that the total mass in a closed system remains constant during chemical or physical changes. This principle holds true as mass is neither created nor destroyed. However, density, defined as mass divided by volume, can vary when the shape or volume of a substance changes while its mass remains constant. For example, a solid cube with a volume of 1 cubic unit can transform into a rectangular shape, altering its density despite the mass being unchanged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Law of Conservation of Mass
  • Basic knowledge of density calculations
  • Familiarity with physical and chemical changes
  • Mathematical skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Law of Conservation of Mass in chemical reactions
  • Explore density variations in different states of matter
  • Learn about the relationship between mass, volume, and density in practical applications
  • Investigate historical experiments that demonstrated conservation principles
USEFUL FOR

Students in chemistry and physics, educators teaching conservation laws, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of matter and its properties.

yjk91
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Homework Statement


The conservation of Mass states that the total mass of substances is the same before and after a chemical or physical change occurs. Explain why this is true in yet not true of density. Explanations to include mathematical as well as verbal proofs.


The Attempt at a Solution


The law of conservation of mass, also known as Lomonosov-Lavoisier law, states that the mass of substances in a closed system will remain constant. Mass is neither created nor destroyed.
I can't explain why this is true but i think i know why it is not true of density.
Density = mass/volume
if a solid square has 1*1*1 volume, and mass and changes to a rectangle. According to the law of conservation of mass the mass has to be same as the solid quare that has 1*1*1* volume and mass. but density cannot area changes and there for volume changes. Different density will come out if there is diffent volume but same mass.
 
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yjk91 said:
Density = mass/volume
Pretty much covers it.
 
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