Which statement best describes the Law of Conservation of Mass?

• A. Atoms can be created or destroyed during chemical reactions.
• B. The total volume of reactants equals the total volume of products.
• C. Energy is always conserved during physical changes.
• D. Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Law of Conservation of Mass states that in a chemical reaction, matter is neither created nor 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 atoms are simply rearranged during chemical reactions, but their total number and mass remain constant.
4. Distinguish this law from other concepts such as conservation of energy or volume, which are different principles.
5. Conclude that the best description of the Law of Conservation of Mass is: 'Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.'