The equation demonstrates the conservation of mass by showing that the total number of each type of atom on the reactant side (left side of the equation) is equal to the total number of those atoms on the product side (right side); for instance, there are four hydrogen atoms, one carbon atom, and four oxygen atoms on both sides. Additionally, by ensuring that the mass of the reactants (which is calculated from their atomic masses) equals the mass of the products, the equation reflects that mass is neither created nor destroyed during the chemical reaction.
Use the equation and the information in the table to answer the question. CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O
Element Atomic Mass (amu)
hydrogen 1
carbon 12
oxygen 16
In one to two sentences, explain two different ways the equation demonstrates the conservation of mass.
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