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Chapter 2: Problem 41

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, represented by the chemical equation \(2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\), demonstrates the law of conservation of mass according to Dalton's atomic theory. Before the reaction, there are 2 water molecules with 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. After the reaction, there are 2 hydrogen gas molecules with 4 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen gas molecule with 2 oxygen atoms. The number of atoms of each element remains the same before and after the reaction, showing that the mass is conserved. This is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory, proving the law of conservation of mass.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Dalton's Atomic Theory

Dalton's atomic theory has several key points, including: 1. All matter is made of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible particles. 2. All atoms of a given element are identical in mass and properties. 3. Compounds are formed by the combination of two or more different kinds of atoms. 4. A chemical reaction is a rearrangement of atoms.
02

Write the chemical equation for the decomposition of water

In the decomposition of water, water molecules break down into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. This can be represented by the following chemical equation: \[2H_2O \rightarrow 2H_2 + O_2\]
03

Analyze the chemical equation

According to the given equation: - Two water molecules (each containing two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom) break down. - As a result, two hydrogen gas molecules (each containing two hydrogen atoms) and one oxygen gas molecule (containing two oxygen atoms) are formed.
04

Apply the law of conservation of mass

Now let's analyze how the decomposition of water illustrates the law of conservation of mass. The law of conservation of mass states that the total mass of all substances involved in a chemical reaction remains constant before and after the reaction. In the given chemical equation: Before the reaction, we have: - 2 water molecules (4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms) After the reaction, we have: - 2 hydrogen gas molecules (4 hydrogen atoms) and 1 oxygen gas molecule (2 oxygen atoms)
05

Conclusion

As we can see, the number of atoms of each element remains the same before and after the reaction, illustrating the law of conservation of mass, which is consistent with Dalton's atomic theory. In this case, the total mass before the reaction is equal to the total mass after the reaction, proving the law of conservation of mass.

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