Question

Which postulate of Dalton's theory is consistent with the following observation concerning the weights of reactants and products? When 100 grams of solid calcium carbonate is heated, 44 grams of carbon dioxide and 56 grams of calcium oxide are produced.

Answer 1

Answer: This illustrates law of conservation of mass.

Explanation:

Dalton's theory is based on mainly two laws which are law of conservation of mass and law of constant proportion.

Law of conservation of mass states that mass can neither be created nor be destroyed but it can only be transformed from one form to another form.

This also means that total mass on the reactant side must be equal to the total mass on the product side.

The chemical equation for the decomposition of calcium carbonate follows:

$CaCO_3\rightarrow CaO+CO_2$

We are given:

Mass of calcium carbonate = 100 grams

Mass of calcium oxide = 56 grams

Mass of carbon dioxide = 44 grams

Total mass on reactant side = 100  g

Total mass on product side = 56 + 44 = 100 g

As, the total mass on reactant side is equal to the total mass on product side.

Thus, this illustrates law of conservation of mass.