How does a balanced chemical equation demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Mass?
it shows that the properties of the elements stay the same after the reaction
it shows that all compounds remain bonded after the reaction
it shows that no atoms have been gained or lost during the reaction
it shows that only physical changes follow the Law of Conservation of Mass
A balanced chemical equation demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass by showing that no atoms have been gained or lost during the reaction. The number of atoms of each element in the reactants equals the number of atoms of that element in the products, which indicates that mass is conserved through the reaction. This reflects the principle that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
The other options provided are inaccurate interpretations of how a balanced chemical equation relates to the Law of Conservation of Mass:
- "It shows that the properties of the elements stay the same after the reaction" is incorrect because the properties of elements can change when they form compounds.
- "It shows that all compounds remain bonded after the reaction" is incorrect because chemical reactions often involve the breaking and forming of bonds, and therefore, compounds change during reactions.
- "It shows that only physical changes follow the Law of Conservation of Mass" is incorrect because both chemical and physical changes follow the Law of Conservation of Mass.