Which of the following chemical equations is an example of the conservation of matter?

Question

1. N2 + 3H2 arrow NH3
2. 2Na + I2 arrow 2Nal
3. 2H2O arrow H2 + O2
4. 2KCIO3 arrow 2KCI + O2
pick one

Answer 1

The conservation of matter means that the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.

Let's analyze the given options:

1. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3:

   • Reactants: 2 N and 6 H
   • Products: 2 N and 6 H
   • Conservation of matter holds.

2. 2Na + I2 → 2NaI:

   • Reactants: 2 Na and 2 I
   • Products: 2 Na and 2 I
   • Conservation of matter holds.

3. 2H2O → H2 + O2:

   • Reactants: 4 H and 2 O
   • Products: 2 H and 2 O
   • Conservation of matter does not hold (you lose H).

4. 2KClO3 → 2KCl + 3O2:

   • Reactants: 2 K, 2 Cl, and 6 O
   • Products: 2 K, 2 Cl, and 6 O
   • Conservation of matter holds.

Based on this analysis, the equations that demonstrate conservation of matter are 1, 2, and 4. However, if asked for just one example, you can choose any of these three.

If you have to pick one, let's go with 1. N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3.