Question

balance of atoms quick check
which statement correctly explains why the ashes of burnt paper have less mass than the original paper? (1 point)
other atoms combine with the paper to produce the ash.
some of the atoms in the paper became gases.
some of the atoms in the paper are destroyed when it burns.
the ash is created from new atoms that have less mass than the paper.

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of mass, atoms are not created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. When paper burns, some of the carbon - containing compounds in the paper react with oxygen to form gaseous carbon - dioxide and other gases, which escape into the air. This is why the ashes have less mass.

Answer:

Some of the atoms in the paper became gases.