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Chapter 2: Problem 45

In Section 1.1 of the text, the concept of a chemical reaction was introduced with the example of the decomposition of water, represented as follows: Use ideas from Dalton’s atomic theory to explain how the above representation illustrates the law of conservation of mass.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The decomposition of water (\(2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\)) illustrates the law of conservation of mass through Dalton's atomic theory, which states that atoms are neither created nor destroyed during chemical reactions. In this case, 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms are present in both reactants and products, with their masses remaining constant. The atoms are only rearranged to form hydrogen and oxygen molecules, adhering to the law of conservation of mass.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Dalton's Atomic Theory

Dalton's atomic theory has several postulates, but the ones most relevant to this exercise are: 1. All matter is composed of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible particles. 2. All atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties. 3. Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms, which are combined or separated but never created or destroyed.
02

Understand the Chemical Reaction

The decomposition of water is a chemical reaction represented by the equation: \[2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\] This means that two water molecules (2H₂O) decompose into two hydrogen molecules (2H₂) and one oxygen molecule (O₂).
03

Apply Dalton's Atomic Theory to the Chemical Reaction

According to Dalton's atomic theory, atoms are neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction. In this case, the decomposition of water involves the rearrangement of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, which separate and combine to form hydrogen and oxygen molecules.
04

Analyze the Reaction in Terms of the Law of Conservation of Mass

The law of conservation of mass states that the mass of the reactants (the initial substances) must equal the mass of the products (the final substances) in a chemical reaction. In the decomposition of water, the mass of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the water molecules must equal the mass of the hydrogen and oxygen molecules that are formed.
05

Show That the Law of Conservation of Mass is Upheld in the Reaction

We can show that the law of conservation of mass is upheld in the decomposition of water by looking at the number and mass of the atoms on both sides of the reaction. On the reactants side (2H₂O): - There are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. On the products side (2H₂ + O₂): - There are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. The number and mass of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms remain unchanged during the decomposition of water, and the atoms are merely rearranged to form hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Thus, the law of conservation of mass is upheld in this reaction, in accordance with Dalton's atomic theory.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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