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
the ash is created from new atoms that have less mass than the paper
some of the atoms in the paper became gases
some of the atoms in the paper are destroyed when it burns

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 in the air. Some of the carbon - hydrogen - oxygen - based compounds in the paper react to form gaseous products like carbon dioxide and water vapor which escape into the air, leaving behind the ash with less mass.

Answer:

Some of the atoms in the paper became gases.