Use the following chemical equation. (3 points)

Question

H
2
+
O
2
→
2
H
2
O


Using the drop down box selection, construct a statement that correctly supports the argument that the chemical equation shown violates the law of conservation of matter.

(3 points)
There are more
oxygen
atoms on the
right side
of the arrow than on the
left side
.

Answer 1

Statement: There are more oxygen atoms on the right side of the arrow than on the left side.

This statement correctly supports the argument that the chemical equation H2 + O2 → 2 H2O violates the law of conservation of matter, as it indicates an inconsistency in the number of atoms before and after the reaction. In this equation, we start with 2 oxygen atoms on the left side (from O2) and end up with only 1 oxygen atom in each water molecule (since there are 2 H2O on the right side, giving a total of 2 oxygen atoms). Thus, the equation adheres to the conservation of matter because there is no increase or decrease in the number of atoms; the overall number of atoms before and after the reaction remains balanced. This highlights the importance of accurately counting and balancing chemical equations to adhere to the law.