To analyze the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO3) and sodium chloride (NaCl), we can first write the balanced chemical equation:
\[ \text{AgNO}_3 (aq) + \text{NaCl} (aq) \rightarrow \text{AgCl} (s) + \text{NaNO}_3 (aq) \]
Now let's evaluate the statements provided in light of the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Thus, the total number of each atom in the reactants must equal the total number of each atom in the products.
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There will be two molecules in the product: This statement is not accurate. While there are two different compounds produced (AgCl and NaNO3), it's important to note that they are not two molecules in one combined product.
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There will be 2 moles of sodium (Na) in the product: This statement is incorrect. There is only 1 mole of sodium in the product derived from the sodium chloride.
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There will be 1 mole of silver (Ag) in the product: This statement is correct. 1 mole of silver from AgNO3 is converted to form 1 mole of AgCl in the product.
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There will be five atoms in the product: This is misleading unless clarified. The products consist of AgCl (2 atoms: 1 Ag + 1 Cl) and NaNO3 (5 atoms: 1 Na + 1 N + 3 O). However, if we consider individual molecules, AgCl and NaNO3 are two separate products.
Considering these options and the principle of conservation of mass, the statement most justified by this law is:
There will be 1 mole of silver (Ag) in the product.
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