A reaction vessel contains equal masses of solid magnesium metal
and oxygen gas. The mixture is ignited and burns with a burst of
light and heat, producing solid MgO. The mass of the MgO is less
than the initial mass of the magnesium and oxygen. What is your
explanation for this apparent loss of mass?
A.) Not all of the oxygen reacted.
B.) Conservation of mass is violated in this reaction.
C.) Not all of the magnesium reacted.
D.) Measurement must be in error because mass is conserved in
chemical reactions.
C.) Some of the mass was converted into energy (heat and light)
as E = mc2.