Multiple Choice
Which statement best explains how a balanced chemical equation satisfies the law of conservation of mass?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Law of Conservation of Mass
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Which of the following equations best represents the law of conservation of mass?
A
mass_{reactants} > mass_{products}
B
mass_{reactants} < mass_{products}
C
mass_{reactants} = mass_{products}
D
mass_{reactants} + mass_{products} = 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the law of conservation of mass: it states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged.
Identify the terms: \(mass_{reactants}\) refers to the total mass of substances before the reaction, and \(mass_{products}\) refers to the total mass of substances after the reaction.
Analyze each given equation to see which one aligns with the principle that the total mass remains constant during a chemical reaction.
Recognize that the correct mathematical representation must show equality between the mass of reactants and products, meaning \(mass_{reactants} = mass_{products}\).
Conclude that equations showing inequality or sums equal to zero do not correctly represent the law of conservation of mass.
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