Answer:
Option D
2Na + Cl₂ —> 2NaCl
Explanation:
We'll begin by stating the law of conservation of matter.
The law of conservation of matter states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction but can be transferred from one form to another.
For an equation to comply with the law of conservation of matter, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both side of the equation. This simply means that the equation must be balanced!
NOTE: An unbalanced equation simply means matter has been created or destroyed.
Now, we shall determine which equation is balanced. This can be obtained as follow:
For Option A
Na + Cl₂ —> 2NaCl
Reactant:
Na = 1
Cl = 2
Product:
Na = 2
Cl = 2
Thus, the equation is not balanced!
For Option B
2Na + 2Cl₂ —> 2NaCl
Reactant:
Na = 2
Cl = 4
Product:
Na = 2
Cl = 2
Thus, the equation is not balanced!
For Option C
2Na + Cl₂ —> NaCl
Reactant:
Na = 2
Cl = 2
Product:
Na = 1
Cl = 1
Thus, the equation is not balanced!
For Option D
2Na + Cl₂ —> 2NaCl
Reactant:
Na = 2
Cl = 2
Product:
Na = 2
Cl = 2
Thus, the equation is balanced!
From the above illustrations, only option D has a balanced equation. Thus, option D illustrate the law of conservation of matter.
