During an investigation, a scientist burned 48 g of magnesium strip. After the reaction, the total mass of the product formed was found to be 80 g. Does the law of conservation of mass hold true in this case? Use complete sentences to justify your answer based on numerical calculations.

Answer

yes

Explanation:

the law of conservation of mass hold true in this case burning magnesium strip is explained by this equation 2 Mg (s) + O2 (g) -> MgO (s)So the lighter magnesium, after reacting with oxygen in air, forms the heavier magnesium oxide. molar mass of magnesium and magnesium oxide are 24g and 40g respectively. So the same ratio 24:40 (i.e. 3:5) is maintained in the given masses of 48g and 80g, which means mass is conserved in the reacion.