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Solids, Liquids and Gases' Commonalities and Differences
Solids, liquids and gases are composed of atoms, molecules and sometimes ions. The mass of each is determined by using scales, balances or other scientific measuring instruments to find the volume of a known element and multiplying it by the known density and by several other related methods. Each element has its own atomic mass. The combined atomic mass of the atom of each element provides the mass of the entire unit. The atoms of solids are densely packed, usually in a regular pattern. Particles in a liquid are close together in a regular pattern but not as dense as those of a solid. Liquids and solids are referred to as existing in condensed phases. Liquids can move about and slide past each other. Gas particles vibrate and move freely at high speeds. Gas can be made from solids and liquids, usually by applying heat.
Gas Properties
Gases take on the shape and volume of the container in which they are housed. While the particles in a gas can move past one another, they are also compressible. Unlike a solid, gas has much free space between its particles, and they can flow easily in a container or the atmosphere. The mass of a gas can be measured in a closed container by subtracting the container's mass from the mass of the container while it contains the gas.
Lavoisier Experiments
Lavoisier performed experiments with mercury2 dioxide. The "2" means mercury is in its oxidation state plus two. If you add heat to mercury2 dioxide, the result is atomic mercury, which is a metal, and oxygen, which is a gas. Lavoisier repeated his experiment a number of times in a closed container, measuring the total mass before and after producing gas from mercury2 dioxide. The mass of the product and the mass of the reactants were exactly the same, providing proof for the fundamental concept of the Law of Conservation of Mass.
Law of Conservation of Mass Experiment
You can demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Mass through a simple experiment using baking soda and vinegar in a plastic bag that can be sealed and a triple-beam balance. The experiment begins with placing 1/2 cup of baking soda into each of two plastic cups and putting 1/2 cup of vinegar into each of two identical plastic cups. Measure the mass of all of the substances and containers along with a plastic bag that can be sealed. Place the same amount of baking soda and vinegar in the plastic bag, and quickly seal the bag. The baking soda, which is a solid, fervently reacts with vinegar, which is a liquid, and the result produces gas. Measure the mass of the substances, which are the reactants, in the plastic bag along with the plastic cups. You will find that the reactants' masses are identical to the products' masses. To determine the actual mass of the reactants and products, simply find the mass of the plastic cups and plastic bag and subtract them from the total mass. Producing gas from a solid and liquid did not change the mass; only the form of the chemicals changed, demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Mass.