Question

A lab group reacts sodium oxide (Na2O) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). When writing their lab report, they come up with the following equation to represent the reaction: Na2O + HCl -> NaCl + H2O Does this equation satisfy the Law of Conservation of Matter? Why or why not?

A) Yes, since there are 5 reactant atoms and 5 product atoms.

B) Yes, since there is a subscript of 2 on both sides on the equation.

C) No, since there are two sodium atoms as reactants, but only one sodium atom as a product.

D) No, since there is a liquid and a solid as reactants, but a gas and a solid as a product.

Answer 1

c

Step-by-step explanation:

Since there are two sodium atoms as reactants, but only one sodium atom as a product, the equation does NOT follow the Law of Conservation of Matter. A sodium atom can not be destroyed in a chemical reaction, therefore the group needs to properly balance their equation so that it follows the Law of Conservation of Matter.

Answer 2

Na₂O + HCl → NaCl + H₂O

Does the equation above satisfy the law of conservation of matter?

No, since there are two sodium atoms as reactants but only one sodium atom as product

Explanation

According to the law of mass conservation of matter the total number of atoms of reactant must be equal to total number of product.

For equation given to satisfy the law of conservation of matter you need to balance the equation as below

Na₂O + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂O