Which statement best describes the Law of Conservation of Mass in a chemical reaction?

• A. The mass of products is always greater than the mass of reactants.
• B. Mass is created during a chemical reaction.
• C. The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.
• D. Energy and mass are always destroyed in chemical reactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
2. Recognize that this means the total mass of the substances you start with (reactants) must be equal to the total mass of the substances you end up with (products).
3. Evaluate each statement given: the mass of products being greater than reactants contradicts the law, as does the idea that mass is created or destroyed.
4. Recall that energy and mass are conserved separately in classical chemistry; mass is not destroyed during chemical reactions.
5. Conclude that the statement 'The total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products' best describes the Law of Conservation of Mass.