According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, are atoms conserved during a chemical change even though new molecules are formed?

• A. Atoms are only conserved if the reaction occurs in a closed container.
• B. No, atoms are destroyed and created during chemical reactions.
• C. Yes, the total number of atoms of each element remains the same before and after the reaction.
• D. Atoms are rearranged, but some are lost as energy.

Answer: (C)

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 atoms are the fundamental units of elements and that during a chemical reaction, atoms are neither created nor destroyed but rearranged to form new molecules.
3. Note that the total number of atoms of each element remains constant before and after the reaction, meaning atoms are conserved.
4. Consider that this conservation holds true regardless of whether the reaction occurs in an open or closed container, as long as all reactants and products are accounted for.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation is that atoms are conserved during chemical changes, and the total number of atoms of each element remains the same before and after the reaction.