Question

claiming conservation quick check
use the equation for the formation of water to answer the 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)
no, it does not because there are two water molecules, so the bonds within the diatomic molecules were not broken.
yes, it does because the diatomic oxygen molecule is not present on both sides of the equation.
yes, it does because there are two oxygen atoms in the reactants and only one in the product.
no, it does not because the number and mass of atoms are conserved even though the number of molecules is not.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the law of conservation of mass

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means the number and type of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the chemical equation.

Step2: Count atoms in the reactants

In \(2H_2+O_2\), for hydrogen (\(H\)): \(2\times2 = 4\) atoms; for oxygen (\(O\)): \(2\) atoms.

Step3: Count atoms in the products

In \(2H_2O\), for hydrogen (\(H\)): \(2\times2=4\) atoms; for oxygen (\(O\)): \(2\) atoms.

Step4: Evaluate each option

• Option 1: Bonds within diatomic molecules are broken in a chemical reaction. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 2: The diatomic oxygen molecule is not required to be present on both sides. Atoms are what matters. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: There are 2 oxygen atoms in reactants (\(O_2\)) and \(2\times1 = 2\) oxygen atoms in products (\(2H_2O\)). So this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: The number of atoms (\(H:4\), \(O:2\)) and their masses (since atoms of the same element have the same mass) are conserved. The number of molecules (\(3\) reactant molecules vs \(2\) product molecules) doesn't affect mass conservation. This option is correct.

Answer:

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