CO₂ H₂O CO₂
Dead Leaf
10 kg
CO₂: 0 kg H₂O: 0 kg Nutrients: 0 kg
Stage 1: Fresh organic matter

Simulation Controls

25°C
Optimal: 25-35°C
50%
Optimal: 40-60%
80%
Aerobic = faster

📊 Mass Tracking (Conservation of Matter)

10.0
Initial Mass (kg)
10.0
Remaining Solid (kg)
0.0
Products Released (kg)

Total Mass: 10.0 kg (Initial = Remaining + Products - Matter is NEVER destroyed!)

🔬 Key Science Concept

When decomposers break down a 10 kg dead leaf, the matter doesn't disappear! The carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms are transformed into CO₂ (gas), H₂O (water), and nutrients (soil minerals). The total mass always equals 10 kg because atoms cannot be created or destroyed (Conservation of Mass).