Which equation above shows that matter is conserved in a chemical reaction? Explain
a
Reaction 1
b
Reaction 2
c
Reaction 3
d
Reaction 4
To determine which equation above shows that matter is conserved in a chemical reaction, we need to understand the concept of conservation of matter. The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged.
Looking at the equations:
a) Reaction 1: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
b) Reaction 2: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
c) Reaction 3: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2
d) Reaction 4: 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
In all four reactions, the number of atoms on the left side of the equation is equal to the number of atoms on the right side. This implies that matter is conserved in all four reactions. Therefore, all of the above equations show that matter is conserved in a chemical reaction.