Question

the law of conservation of mass is best described as which of the following statements? answer. a the total energy of the universe is constant. b matter can neither be created nor destroyed. c energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. d for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Explanation:

The law of conservation of mass states that in a closed system, matter (mass) can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical or physical process. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: The law of conservation of energy (not mass) states the total energy of the universe is constant. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: This matches the definition of the law of conservation of mass, as it states matter can't be created or destroyed.
• Option C: This is Einstein's mass - energy equivalence formula ($E = mc^{2}$), related to the relationship between mass and energy, not the conservation of mass. So C is incorrect.
• Option D: This is Newton's third law of motion, related to forces and reactions, not mass conservation. So D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Matter can neither be created nor destroyed.