Question 1.13 - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Lavoisier developed a new theory of combustion that overturned the phlogiston theory. What measurements were central to his theory, and what key discovery did he make?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

The mass remained constant throughout the combustion process.

Lavoisier Theory

Lavoisier conducted mercury experimentation. He heated mercury with gas and observed that the mass of the calx after formation is equal to the sum of the masses of mercury and gas that before reaction. 

He also discovered that $\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$4$}\right.$ of the air was utilized in the calx formation process and that a candle placed in the residual air did not burn.

Conclusion

Hence, the mass remained constant throughout the combustion process. This is the important conclusion drawn from his theory.