Which of the following statements best describes the law of conservation of mass?

• A. Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
• B. Energy is conserved during all physical and chemical changes.
• C. The total volume of reactants equals the total volume of products in a reaction.
• D. Atoms are converted into energy during chemical reactions.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the law of conservation of mass states that in a chemical reaction, matter cannot be created or destroyed.
2. Recognize that this means the total mass of the reactants before the reaction must equal the total mass of the products after the reaction.
3. Note that this law applies specifically to mass, not necessarily to volume or energy, so statements about volume or energy conservation are related but distinct concepts.
4. Eliminate options that mention volume equality or conversion of atoms into energy, as these do not align with the law of conservation of mass.
5. Conclude that the best description is: 'Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.'