Question

In a chemical reaction, the total number of atoms present after the reaction is complete is (larger than/smaller than/the same as) the total number of atoms present before the reaction began.

Short answer

The total number of atoms present after the reaction is complete is \(the\ same\ as\) the total number of atoms present before the reaction began.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that in a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants is always equal to the total mass of the products. This means that the atoms cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction – they are merely rearranged to form new substances.

Apply the Law to our Exercise

Since no atoms are created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, the total number of atoms present after the reaction must be the same as the total number of atoms before the reaction began. This principle originates from the Law of Conservation of Mass, which ensures that the mass and the number of atoms remain constant in a chemical reaction. So the correct answer is: The total number of atoms present after the reaction is complete is \(the\ same\ as\) the total number of atoms present before the reaction began.