Question

which statement correctly explains why the ashes of burnt paper have less mass than the original paper? (1 point)
○ some of the atoms in the paper became gases.
○ other atoms combine with the paper to produce the ash
○ 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 in chemistry, atoms are not created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. When paper burns, it undergoes a chemical reaction with oxygen. Some of the atoms in the paper form gaseous products (such as carbon - dioxide and water vapor) that escape into the air, resulting in the ashes having less mass than the original paper.

Answer:

Some of the atoms in the paper became gases.