Question

how would the law of conservation of matter explain what happens to a cup of water when it evaporates?
a. the evaporation process destroys the water in the cup
b. the water in the cup becomes a smaller amount of water vapor
c. the liquid water becomes a larger quantity of water vapor
d. the liquid water is now water vapor of the same quantity

Explanation:

The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only changed in form. When water evaporates, liquid water ($H_2O$) molecules change state to gaseous water vapor, but the total amount (mass/quantity) of water remains unchanged. Options A, B, and C violate this law by claiming matter is destroyed, reduced, or created respectively.

Answer:

D. The liquid water is now water vapor of the same quantity