How does the law of conservation of matter apply to chemical reactions?
The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products. The atoms are rearranged in a chemical reaction, but none are created or destroyed.
To apply the law, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the reactants and products in the chemical reaction.
2. Write down the chemical equation for the reaction, making sure to balance it.
3. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
4. Ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
5. If necessary, adjust the coefficients in front of the reactants or products to balance the equation.
6. Verify that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products.
By carefully considering the number and types of atoms involved in the reaction, you can ensure that the law of conservation of matter is upheld.
The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products in a chemical equation.
To apply the law of conservation of matter to chemical reactions, you need to balance the chemical equation. Balancing the equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Here is a step-by-step process to balance a chemical equation:
1. Write down the unbalanced chemical equation, with the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side.
2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Start by focusing on elements that appear in more than one molecule or compound.
3. Start balancing the equation by adjusting the coefficients (the numbers preceding the compounds) for each molecule or compound. You can change the coefficients, but never alter the subscripts as they represent the number of atoms in a compound.
4. Balance the elements one at a time, using trial and error. It may be helpful to start with the elements that are present in the fewest compounds.
5. Keep adjusting the coefficients until the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation is the same.
6. Double-check that the equation is balanced by counting the number of atoms on both sides again.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the law of conservation of matter is respected in a chemical reaction.
The mass of reactants equals the mass of products.
Actually, there is a very small difference, almost too small to measure, due to the theory or relativity. There IS a mass loss equal to the energy release divided by c^2.