Which statement best explains how a balanced chemical equation satisfies the law of conservation of mass?

• A. It shows that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products because the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
• B. It allows for the creation or destruction of atoms during a chemical reaction.
• C. It indicates that the mass of the products is always greater than the mass of the reactants.
• D. It ensures that the number of molecules is the same on both sides of the equation, regardless of the elements involved.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
2. Recognize that a balanced chemical equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides.
3. Know that because the number of atoms of each element is conserved, the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products.
4. Realize that the balanced equation reflects this conservation by showing equal quantities of each element, ensuring mass balance.
5. Conclude that the balanced chemical equation satisfies the law of conservation of mass by demonstrating that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.