Which statement best describes the law of conservation of mass?

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

Answer: (B)

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 concepts related to energy conservation or volume changes, which are different principles.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction' best describes the law of conservation of mass.