Learn on PengiAmplify Science (California) Grade 7Chapter 3: Accounting for Atoms

Lesson 2: Conservation of Matter

Key Idea.

Section 1

The Law of Conservation

Key Idea

The universe follows a strict rule: The Law of Conservation of Matter. This law states that atoms cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

This means the total mass of the system remains constant from start to finish. The mass of the products always equals the mass of the reactants.

Section 2

Balancing the Atoms

Key Idea

Because atoms are conserved, every atom that enters a reaction must be accounted for at the end. If a reaction starts with six carbon atoms, it must end with six carbon atoms.

Scientists use balanced equations to track this. Counting the atoms ensures that the "math" of the reaction works, proving that no matter was lost or created.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

The Law of Conservation

Key Idea

The universe follows a strict rule: The Law of Conservation of Matter. This law states that atoms cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

This means the total mass of the system remains constant from start to finish. The mass of the products always equals the mass of the reactants.

Section 2

Balancing the Atoms

Key Idea

Because atoms are conserved, every atom that enters a reaction must be accounted for at the end. If a reaction starts with six carbon atoms, it must end with six carbon atoms.

Scientists use balanced equations to track this. Counting the atoms ensures that the "math" of the reaction works, proving that no matter was lost or created.

Overview

Lesson overview

Review the lesson summary and core properties without leaving the current page.

Overview

Section 1

The Law of Conservation

Key Idea

The universe follows a strict rule: The Law of Conservation of Matter. This law states that atoms cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

This means the total mass of the system remains constant from start to finish. The mass of the products always equals the mass of the reactants.

Section 2

Balancing the Atoms

Key Idea

Because atoms are conserved, every atom that enters a reaction must be accounted for at the end. If a reaction starts with six carbon atoms, it must end with six carbon atoms.

Scientists use balanced equations to track this. Counting the atoms ensures that the "math" of the reaction works, proving that no matter was lost or created.