Answer
Ash is only one of the products of the reaction, and can thus weigh less than the original wood.
To ensure that conservation of mass is not violated, you'd have to capture all the gas which was released in the reaction, as well as record the mass of gas which reacted.
Work Step by Step
Ash is only one of the products of the reaction, and can thus weigh less than the original wood.
To ensure that conservation of mass is not violated, you'd have to capture all the gas which was released in the reaction, as well as record the mass of gas which reacted.