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11 votes
How do you know whether or not a chemical

reaction equation follows the law of
conservation of mass?

1 Answer

12 votes

Answer:

- Because it has or not the same number of atoms at each side.

- Because the mass of reactants and product is or not the same after the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello!

In this case, since the law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created nor destroyed; when we see a chemical reaction, we need to make sure that the amount of atoms is the same at both reactants and products; for instance the formation of water requires four hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms at both reactants and products sides as shown below:


2H_2+O_2\rightarrow 2H_2O

Another way is by proving that the total mass of products equals the total mass of reactants once the reaction has gone to completion.

Best regards!

User Amiuhle
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