Question

reading quiz: conservation of mass
1 multiple choice 1 point
if you wanted to verify conservation of mass in the rust formation equation 4fe + 3o₂ → 2fe₂o₃, what would be the most reliable method?
count only the number of different elements present
count the total number of atoms of each element on both sides
compare the coefficients on both sides of the equation
measure only the mass of the visible products

Explanation:

The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. To verify it for a chemical equation like the rust - formation one, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Counting only the number of different elements doesn't account for the quantity of each element's atoms. Comparing coefficients alone doesn't consider the sub - scripts within the chemical formulas. Measuring only the mass of visible products ignores the reactants and any non - visible substances involved.

Answer:

B. Count the total number of atoms of each element on both sides