Conservation of Mass

Recall and accurately apply the fundamental law of conservation of mass in various chemical contexts.

Explain the law of conservation of mass, stating that no atoms are lost or made during a chemical reaction, ensuring the total mass of products equals the total mass of reactants.

Apply the conservation of mass to write balanced symbol equations, ensuring equal numbers of atoms of each element on both sides.

Explain apparent changes in mass during reactions in non-enclosed systems, using the particle model to identify gases as unmeasured reactants or products escaping to the atmosphere.

Use arithmetic computation and ratios skillfully when writing and balancing chemical equations.

Evaluate observational data showing changes in mass in a non-enclosed system and explain these changes when provided with a balanced symbol equation.