A student was adding baking soda and vinegar in a bottle to conduct an experiment. They then put a balloon on top of the bottle immediately after adding them together. The student observed that the balloon inflated and got larger. The student then predicted that the chemical reaction between the vinegar and the baking soda had created brand new matter, and would have more mass at the end of the reaction. Would you agree with the student’s prediction or not? Explain your answer. (ONE PARAGRAPH)
I would not agree with the student's prediction that the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda created brand new matter and would have more mass at the end of the reaction. In a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants should be equal to the total mass of the products. In this case, the reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. While the balloon inflates due to the gas produced, the total mass of the reactants should remain the same, so there is no creation of brand new matter. The mass of the products should be equal to the mass of the reactants before the reaction.
