Conservation in Chemical Reactions Quick Check

Question

2 of 52 of 5 Items
Question
Which of the following equations demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass? (1 point)
Responses

CH+O2→CO2+H2O

CH4+O2→CO2+HO

CH4+O2→C+2H2O

CH4+O2→CO2+H2O

Answer 1

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. The correct equation that demonstrates this law must have the same number of each type of atom on both sides.

Let's analyze the options provided:

1. CH + O2 → CO2 + H2O: This equation is not balanced. On the left side, there is 1 carbon and 1 hydrogen, while on the right side, there are 1 carbon, 2 oxygens, and 2 hydrogens. Not balanced.

2. CH4 + O2 → CO2 + HO: This equation is not properly balanced since "HO" is not a correct representation of water (which should be H2O) and it does not balance the atoms correctly.

3. CH4 + O2 → C + 2H2O: This equation is also not balanced. On the left, there is 1 carbon and 4 hydrogens along with 2 oxygens, while on the right, it has 1 carbon, 4 hydrogens (in 2H2O), and only 1 oxygen.

4. CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O: This equation is balanced. It has 1 carbon, 4 hydrogens, and 2 oxygens on the left side and the same numbers on the right side (1 carbon in CO2, 2 hydrogens in H2O, and 2 total oxygens).

The correct answer is: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O.