Question

Which of the following chemical equations is an example of the conservation of matter?
1. N2 + 3H2 arrow NH3
2. 2Na + I2 arrow 2Nal
3. 2H2O arrow H2 + O2
4. 2KCIO3 arrow 2KCI + O2
pick one

Answer 1

The conservation of matter means that the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.

Let's analyze the given options:

1. **N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3**:
- Reactants: 2 N and 6 H
- Products: 2 N and 6 H
- Conservation of matter holds.

2. **2Na + I2 → 2NaI**:
- Reactants: 2 Na and 2 I
- Products: 2 Na and 2 I
- Conservation of matter holds.

3. **2H2O → H2 + O2**:
- Reactants: 4 H and 2 O
- Products: 2 H and 2 O
- Conservation of matter does not hold (you lose H).

4. **2KClO3 → 2KCl + 3O2**:
- Reactants: 2 K, 2 Cl, and 6 O
- Products: 2 K, 2 Cl, and 6 O
- Conservation of matter holds.

Based on this analysis, the equations that demonstrate conservation of matter are **1, 2, and 4**. However, if asked for just one example, you can choose any of these three.

If you have to pick one, let's go with **1. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3**.