In atomic theory, new substances are formed when the atoms of other substances are rearranged. In this kind of change, the total number of atoms is conserved.

Question

An example of this is shown in the diagram below. There are six atoms both before and after the arrow.
Which statement below is also true of the rearrangement of atoms?
A.
The amount of matter is conserved.
B.
The amount of matter decreases.
C.
The number of substances is conserved.
D.
The number of substances increases.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

A. The amount of matter is conserved.

In a chemical reaction, while atoms may rearrange to form new substances, the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products, which reflects the principle of conservation of mass.