Answer:
See Explanation
Explanation:
The Law of Conservation of Matter as applied to chemical reactions says that matter is neither created nor distroyed, only changed in form. This implies that the mass of substances going into a reaction process must equal the mass of products generated during the reaction process.
Empirically,
∑ mass reactants = ∑ mass products
One can test this idea after balancing a chemical equation by determining the sum of formula weights of reactants and products; then compare. If reaction was properly balanced, the total mass reactants = total mass of products.
Example:
Combustion of Methane => CH₄(g) + 2O₂(g) => CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)
Equation Weights => 16amu + 64amu <=> 44amu + 36amu
Mass Reactants = Mass Products => 80amu <=> 80amu.
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*amu = atomic mass units => sum of atomic weights of elements
