Question

the following equation represents the atomic masses of the reactants and products in a chemical reaction
(24 + 16) + (12 + 16 + 16) = 84
which statement about the reaction is correct?
(1 point)
o two molecules, each with the same mass, combined to make one molecule.
o a molecule with two atoms combined with a molecule with three atoms to produce a molecule with a mass of 84 u
o two molecules, each with two atoms, combined to make one molecule.
o a molecule with 40 atoms combined with a molecule with 48 atoms to produce a molecule with 84 atoms.

Explanation:

Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Calculate the mass of each reactant. First reactant: \(24 + 16=40\), second reactant: \(12+16 + 16=44\). They are not the same mass.
• Option 2: First molecule (\(24 + 16\)) has 2 atoms (e.g., if it's \(MgO\)), second molecule (\(12+16 + 16\)) has 3 atoms (e.g., if it's \(CO_2\)), and the product mass is 84 u. This is consistent with the equation.
• Option 3: The second reactant (\(12+16 + 16\)) has 3 atoms, not 2.
• Option 4: The numbers in the parentheses (\(24 + 16\) and \(12+16 + 16\)) represent atomic masses, not the number of atoms.

Answer:

A molecule with two atoms combined with a molecule with three atoms to produce a molecule with a mass of 84 u.