Question

when you burn a log in the fireplace, the resulting ashes have a mass less than that of the original log. Account for the difference.

Answer 1

Some of the particles undergo a phase change and become a gas due to burning. An example would be CO2, which is lost in the air around/escapes into the atmosphere. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Answer:The difference is found in the CO2 and water vapour, H2O, that escape to the atmosphere during combustion.

Explanation: Burning of logs is combustion reaction and the it can generally be represented by

CxHy + O2 === CO2 + H2O + Heat

This is a non reversible reaction because some of the constituents of the original log are being given off during combustion. Hence, the change in the mass.