Question

two different liquids are poured together in an open container. bubbles begin to form. after the bubbling stops, it is determined that the total weight of the two liquids is less than before they were poured together. which best describes this observation? a some of the atoms during the reaction escaped into the air. b some of the atoms during the reaction were destroyed. c some of the atoms during the reaction became heavier. d some of the atoms during the reaction changed to a different kind of atom.

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of mass, atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. When two liquids are mixed and there is bubbling (indicating a chemical reaction), if the total weight is less, it is because some gaseous products (made of atoms) escaped into the air. Option B violates the law of conservation of mass as atoms are not destroyed. Option C is incorrect as atoms do not become heavier in a normal chemical reaction. Option D is wrong because in a chemical reaction (not nuclear reaction), atoms do not change into different kinds of atoms.

Answer:

A. Some of the atoms during the reaction escaped into the air.