Question

masteryconnect data ch-term 1 - unit 1 assessment - 25-26. 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?

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the law of conservation of mass: in a chemical reaction, the number of each type of atom must be the same on both sides (reactants and products).

Step 1: Analyze each option

• First option: Reactants: 1 dark atom, 2 light atoms. Products: 1 dark atom, 2 light atoms. Atoms are conserved.
• Second option: Reactants: 2 light atoms (from first molecule) + 2 light atoms (from second molecule) = 4 light atoms; 2 dark atoms (from first molecule). Products: 3 light atoms + 2 dark atoms. Light atoms not conserved (4→3).
• Third option: Reactants: 1 light atom, 2 dark atoms. Products: 2 light atoms, 2 dark atoms. Light atoms not conserved (1→2).
• Fourth option: Reactants: 2 light atoms (from first molecule) + 2 dark atoms (from second molecule). Products: 2 light atoms + 1 dark atom. Dark atoms not conserved (2→1).

Answer:

The first model (with 1 dark sphere + 2 light spheres as reactants, forming 1 dark - 2 light sphere product)