The chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium (Mg) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is shown: Mg + 2HCI → MgCI2 + H2. Stacy initially weighs both the magnesium and hydrochloric acid, registering a combined mass of 55 grams. Subsequently, post-reaction, she assesses the mass of the resultant products, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and hydrogen (H2), and once more records a total mass of 55 grams. Does Stacy's data substantiate the law of conservation of matter, and if so, what is the rationale behind this assertion?

Question

A. Yes, her data supports the law of conservation of matter because the mass of the reactants is identical to the mass of the products.
B. No, it does not support the law of conservation of matter, as her data demonstrates that the mass of the reactants is equal to the mass of the products.
C. Yes, it does, as her data shows that the mass of the products is greater than the mass of the reactants.
D. No, it does not support the law of conservation of matter, as her data indicates that the mass of the reactants is less than the mass of the products.

Answer 1

A. Yes, her data supports the law of conservation of matter because the mass of the reactants is identical to the mass of the products.

The law of conservation of matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Since Stacy's measurements show that the combined mass of the reactants (magnesium and hydrochloric acid) and the combined mass of the products (magnesium chloride and hydrogen) are both 55 grams, this indicates that the mass remained constant throughout the reaction. Therefore, her data is consistent with this fundamental principle of chemistry.