Question

Select the correct answer. Which statement best describes how chemical equations demonstrate conservation of mass? OA The number of reactants is the same as the number of products. B. The compounds are the same on each side of the reaction. OC. The number of atoms of each element is the same on each side of the equation. OD. The state of matter is the same on each side of the equation.​

Answer 1

Answer: C. The number of atoms of each element is the same on each side of the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Law of Conservation of Matter shows that it is not possible for matter to either be created nor for it to be destroyed so the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side of the equation must equal the number of atoms in each element on the product side of the equation.

This is why the following equation is incomplete:

H₂ + O₂ ⇒ H₂O

The oxygen atoms are not the same on either side.

Equation will therefor have to be balanced which will make it:

2H₂ + O₂ ⇒ 2H₂O

Notice now that atoms are the same on both sides.