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Multiple Choice
Which of the following chemical equations correctly demonstrates the conservation of atoms?
A
2H_2 + O_2 ightarrow 2H_2O
B
C + O_2 ightarrow CO
C
N_2 + 2H_2 ightarrow NH_3
D
Na + Cl_2 ightarrow NaCl
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of atoms of each element on both sides of each chemical equation to check if atoms are conserved.
For the equation \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\), count atoms on the reactant side: 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms; on the product side: 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms. This shows conservation of atoms.
For the equation \(C + O_2 \rightarrow CO\), count atoms on the reactant side: 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms; on the product side: 1 carbon atom and 1 oxygen atom. Oxygen atoms are not balanced, so atoms are not conserved.
For the equation \(N_2 + 2H_2 \rightarrow NH_3\), count atoms on the reactant side: 2 nitrogen atoms and 4 hydrogen atoms; on the product side: 1 nitrogen atom and 3 hydrogen atoms. Both nitrogen and hydrogen atoms are not balanced, so atoms are not conserved.
For the equation \(Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow NaCl\), count atoms on the reactant side: 1 sodium atom and 2 chlorine atoms; on the product side: 1 sodium atom and 1 chlorine atom. Chlorine atoms are not balanced, so atoms are not conserved.