Use the equation for the formation of water to answer the question.

Question

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Elements such as oxygen and hydrogen naturally exist as diatomic molecules (i.e., in a paired-atom form). Does the equation for the formation of water violate the law of conservation of mass? Why or why not?

(1 point)
Responses

No, it does not because there are two water molecules, so the bonds within the diatomic molecules were not broken.
No, it does not because there are two water molecules, so the bonds within the diatomic molecules were not broken.

No, it does not because the number and mass of atoms are conserved even though the number of molecules is not.
No, it does not because the number and mass of atoms are conserved even though the number of molecules is not.

Yes, it does because there are two oxygen atoms in the reactants and only one in the product.
Yes, it does because there are two oxygen atoms in the reactants and only one in the product.

Yes, it does because the diatomic oxygen molecule is not present on both sides of the equation.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

No, it does not because the number and mass of atoms are conserved even though the number of molecules is not.

In the given reaction, you have 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on the reactants side (2H₂ + O₂) and 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on the products side (2H₂O). The law of conservation of mass states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, and since the number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation, the law is upheld.