Conservation Of Matter

Conservation Of Matter

1. The number of each type of atom in the reactants is the same as the number of each type of atom in the products.

2. Formula equations must be balanced to show this:

   • 4[Fe] (S) + 3O2 (G) = 2[Fe2O3] (S)
     • The equation above shows the formation of iron oxide.
       • Four iron atoms react with six oxygen atoms .
       • The produce two iron oxide molecules, each made up of two iron atoms and three oxygen atoms.

3. The law of conservation of mass can be used to calculate the amount of oxygen in iron oxide:

   • Weigh a sample of iron.
     • Heat with a known volume of air.
       • The mass of iron oxide produced minus the mass of iron oxide produced minus the mass of iron reactant = mass of oxygen used as reactant.