Question

take a look at this chemical equation. does it obey the law of conservation of matter? yes, because the number of carbon atoms on both sides of the equation is the same. yes, because the number of reactants is greater than the number of products. no, because the number of oxygen atoms on the left side of the equation is not equal to the number of carbon atoms on the right. no, because the number of carbon atoms on both sides of the equation is not balanced. no, because the number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation is not balanced.

Explanation:

Step1: Count atoms on reactant side

Reactant side: 1 carbon atom and 3 oxygen atoms (1 from first molecule and 2 from second molecule).

Step2: Count atoms on product side

Product side: 2 carbon atoms and 2 oxygen atoms.

Step3: Check law of conservation of matter

Law of conservation of matter requires equal number of each type of atom on both sides. Oxygen atoms are not balanced (3 on left vs 2 on right).

Answer:

No, because the number of oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation is not balanced.