What does it mean to say that matter is conserved in a chemical reaction? Use the words REACTANTS and PRODUCTS in your answer. simple
When we say that matter is conserved in a chemical reaction, it means that the total amount of matter present before the reaction (reactants) is equal to the total amount of matter present after the reaction (products). In other words, no matter is gained or lost during the reaction.
For example, let's consider a simple reaction where hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) react to form water (H2O). The hydrogen and oxygen molecules are the reactants, while water is the product.
In this reaction, matter is conserved as the total number of atoms present in the reactants (2 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms) is equal to the total number of atoms in the product (2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom).
So, matter conservation in a chemical reaction means that there is no net loss or gain of atoms; the number and types of atoms in the reactants must be the same as in the products.