Concept and Summary 

What is the conservation of mass? Does it concern a physical change?  Does it concern a chemical change?  And, is it possible for a product to decrease/increase in weight when the composition is changed? In response to these questions, the law concerning the "conservation of mass" states, “Matter is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical/physical change” (Hill, McCreary, 2013, p. 44). In other words, the weight of a product stays the same when its composition has been altered. 

Throughout my conceptual interviews, three people were selected to answer questions surrounding the concept of the "conservation of mass." This topic tends to produce many misconceptions. In other words, people believe that when a physical change takes place, the weight of the product also changes. However, by asking my mom, dad, and friend a series of questions,I was able to support and debunk this misconception. 

Questions asked during the interview! 

1.  If I had a cookie that weighed .39 ounces, and I decided to smash it up into a fine powder, would it weigh more, less, or the same? Why? 
2.  Based on the scenario, how would you describe the "conservation of mass," or what do you know about the "conservation of mass?" 
3. What do you think a physical change is? do you think a physical change or a chemical change occurred? 
4. What do you think signifies a physical change

In support of this misconception, my dad inferred, "a cookie that is altered into a fine powder weighs less than its original state." In addition, he was unsure about the “conservation of mass” therefore stating, “I’m not sure. I guess it means to alter the state of a product?” Nevertheless, he was able to grasp the concept of physical changes. To me, this was interesting because he indicated that "you yourself are altering the products state. Therefore, nothing is added nor taken away from the products chemical composition.” Although this statement composes the correct answer to the cookie question, my dad has been out of school for forty years; so lets give him a break!

In contrast to my dad's interview, my mom (AKA Margaret) and friend (AKA Renee) were able to respond correctly to the cookie question. In fact, they both implied that the crushed cookie weighs the same, because it is composed of the same material. Furthermore, they both indicated that a physical change only alters the products appearance, and does not change the products mass. Due to these responses, it is suggested that Margaret and Renee comprehend the conservation of matter.  

Reaction 

Based upon my findings, I was very shocked with the knowledge surrounding the “conservation of mass.” However, I was even more surprised with my dad’s responses. Although he has been out of school for a while, I assumed that he would understand the concept of the “conservation of mass.” This assumption mainly stemmed from his collegiate background, and love for the world of science. Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how the thought process of men and women differed. In other words, my mom and Renee were able to answer the cookie question correctly, while my dad produced a logical yet incorrect answer. That being said, can gender define ones answer towards the law of conservation? That’s an experiment for another time.   

Ways to improve societal understanding

Nevertheless, to improve societal understanding on the “conservation of mass,” it is important to educate children early. In other words, children as young as 7 should be able to comprehend the meaning of size, weight, and shape. Through teaching younger children these concepts, they will be able to equate their understanding with the “conservation of mass.” In addition, lessons associated with conservation should be engaging, creative, and fun. When experiments and activities surround this concept, children are able to remember the law of conservation throughout a lifetime. Consequently, early learning and active learning can create a society filled with chemistry/conservation experts.  

Related Ideas:

Sources
Hill, J. W., & McCreary, T. W. (2013).Chemistry For Changing Times (13th ed.). Boston: Pearson.