Which of the following always results from a chemical reaction according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?

• A. Energy is destroyed
• B. New elements are formed
• C. The total number of atoms decreases
• D. The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
2. Understand that during a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged to form new substances, but the total number of atoms remains constant.
3. Recognize that energy can be absorbed or released, but it is not destroyed; energy conservation is a separate principle.
4. Note that new elements are not formed in chemical reactions; elements can only be transformed in nuclear reactions.
5. Conclude that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products, reflecting the conservation of mass.