When is the law of conservation of mass correctly applied in a chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The number of atoms of each element is the same in the reactants and products.
According to the law of conservation of mass, matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, in a balanced equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on the reactant and product sides. Having only the same total number of atoms is not sufficient, because the number of atoms of a particular element could still change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The number of atoms of each element is the same in the reactants and products.
Why is this the correct answer?
According to the law of conservation of mass, matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, in a balanced equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on the reactant and product sides. Having only the same total number of atoms is not sufficient, because the number of atoms of a particular element could still change.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
