Why is the total mass always conserved in a chemical reaction? Be sure that your explanation includes the discussion of atoms and bonds.

Question

superhelp101 · Answer

@FriedRice

anonymous · Answer

Because in a chemical reaction, atoms are not created or destroyed, they are just 'reassembled' to form new compounds. Ionic bonds are relatively easy to break and are thus fairly reactive. Thus, many ionic compounds will willingly dissociate to form more stable compounds (if possible).

australopithecus · Answer

A chemical reaction is a change in bonding between atoms, since chemical bonds are dictated by electrons which are independent of an atoms identity (protons dictate an atoms identity (neutrons dictate what isomer it is)). Mass is conserved, as the same number of atoms and electrons are present after a reaction occurs.

australopithecus · Answer

wow that awful grammar, I need to sleep

superhelp101 · Answer

Thank you all so much!!:)

superhelp101 · Answer

awh haha it is fine

australopithecus · Answer

by atoms I should probably say protons and neutrons.  As atoms are made up of neutrons (sometimes, hydrogen 1 for instance) protons and electrons. So it would be kind of redundant to say atoms and electrons