Assume that the mixture of substances in drawing (a) undergoes a reaction. Which of the drawings (b)–(d) represent a product mixture consistent with the law of conservation of mass? a.
b.
c.
d.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of each type of particle in drawing (a). Count the red and blue particles separately.
2. Apply the law of conservation of mass, which states that the total number of each type of particle must remain constant before and after the reaction.
3. Examine drawings (b), (c), and (d) to count the number of red and blue particles in each.
4. Compare the counts from each drawing with the initial counts from drawing (a) to determine which drawing maintains the same number of each type of particle.
5. Select the drawing(s) that have the same number of red and blue particles as in drawing (a), indicating consistency with the law of conservation of mass.

Key Concepts

Law of Conservation of Mass

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that in a closed system, mass is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must equal the total mass of the products. Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing chemical reactions and predicting the outcomes based on the initial quantities of substances involved.

Chemical Reaction

A chemical reaction involves the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. During this process, the arrangement of atoms changes, but the total number of each type of atom remains constant, adhering to the Law of Conservation of Mass. Recognizing the characteristics of chemical reactions helps in identifying the resulting mixtures and their compositions.

Mixture Composition

Mixture composition refers to the specific arrangement and types of substances present in a mixture. In the context of chemical reactions, it is important to analyze how the initial mixture of substances (represented by the red and blue spheres) changes to form new products. Understanding the composition of the resulting mixtures allows for the evaluation of whether they align with the conservation of mass principle.