the law of conservation of mass can be demonstrated by a chemical reaction. which of the following models of…
the law of conservation of mass can be demonstrated by a chemical reaction. which of the following models of a chemical reaction best represents the law of conservation of mass?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall law of conservation of mass
The law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. So the number of each type of atom on the reactant - side must equal the number of each type of atom on the product - side.
Step2: Analyze option A
On the reactant - side, we have 1 gray atom and 2 white atoms in separate molecules. On the product - side, we have 1 gray atom and 2 white atoms in one molecule. The number of each type of atom is conserved.
Step3: Analyze option B
On the reactant - side, we have 1 gray - white combined atom and 2 white - white molecules (4 white atoms in total). On the product - side, we have a molecule with 1 gray atom and 4 white atoms. The number of atoms is not conserved as the initial gray - white combined atom's state is not accounted for properly in terms of atom conservation.
Step4: Analyze option C
On the reactant - side, we have 1 white atom and 2 gray atoms. On the product - side, we have 1 white - gray combined atom. The number of atoms is not conserved as we lost one gray atom.
Step5: Analyze option D
On the reactant - side, we have 2 white - white molecules (4 white atoms) and 2 gray - gray molecules (4 gray atoms). On the product - side, we have 2 white - gray - white molecules (2 gray atoms and 4 white atoms). The number of gray atoms is not conserved.
Answer:
A.