Question

Which of the following equations demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass? (1 point)
Responses

CH+O2→CO2+H2O
𝐶
𝐻
+
𝑂
2
→
𝐶
𝑂
2
+
𝐻
2
𝑂

cap c cap h plus cap o sub 2 right arrow cap c cap o sub 2 plus 2 cap h sub 2 cap o

CH4+O2→CO2+HO
𝐶
𝐻
4
+
𝑂
2
→
𝐶
𝑂
2
+
𝐻Which of the following equations demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass? (1 point)
Responses

CH+O2→CO2+H2O
𝐶
𝐻
+
𝑂
2
→
𝐶
𝑂
2
+
𝐻
2
𝑂

cap c cap h plus cap o sub 2 right arrow cap c cap o sub 2 plus 2 cap h sub 2 cap o

CH4+O2→CO2+HO
𝐶
𝐻
4
+
𝑂
2
→
𝐶
𝑂
2
+
𝐻

Answer 1

Neither of the equations as written is balanced, so neither demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass.

The correct balanced combustion of methane that does demonstrate conservation is:
CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2O

Atom count each side:
- C: 1 → 1
- H: 4 → 2×2 = 4
- O: 2×2 = 4 → 2 (in CO2) + 2 (in 2 H2O) = 4

All atoms are conserved.