Which statement best explains why mass is conserved in chemical reactions?

• A. Mass is lost as heat and light during chemical reactions.
• B. New atoms are formed to balance the mass on both sides of the reaction.
• C. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction; they are simply rearranged.
• D. Energy is converted into mass during every chemical reaction.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
2. Understand that during a chemical reaction, atoms are rearranged to form new substances, but the total number of each type of atom remains the same.
3. Recognize that mass is conserved because the atoms present in the reactants are the same atoms present in the products, just connected differently.
4. Note that energy changes (such as heat or light) do not affect the total mass, as energy and mass are distinct quantities in typical chemical reactions.
5. Conclude that the best explanation for mass conservation is that atoms are neither created nor destroyed; they are simply rearranged during the reaction.