How does a chemical equation demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Mass in a chemical reaction?

• A. By indicating that the total number of molecules is always equal on both sides.
• B. By displaying the physical states of the substances involved in the reaction.
• C. By ensuring that the coefficients of all reactants and products are identical.
• D. By showing that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Answer: (D)

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 chemical equation represents a chemical reaction by showing reactants on the left side and products on the right side.
3. Note that the equation must be balanced so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides, reflecting that no atoms are lost or gained.
4. Understand that balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients (the numbers in front of molecules) to ensure equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.
5. Conclude that this balance in the number of atoms demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass, as it shows that matter is conserved during the reaction.