Which of the following best describes the law of conservation of mass? A. Matter can be created but not destroyed. B. Matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. C. Matter can be destroyed if energy is released. D. Energy can be created from matter.

B

1. The law of conservation of mass states that in a closed system, the total mass of the system remains constant over time, regardless of the processes acting inside the system. This means that matter cannot be created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

2. Analyzing the options:

Option A states that matter can be created but not destroyed, which contradicts the law.

3. Option B states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, which aligns with the law of conservation of mass.

4. Option C suggests that matter can be destroyed if energy is released, which is incorrect according to the law.

5. Option D states that energy can be created from matter, which is not a description of the conservation of mass.

6. Based on the analysis, the correct option that best describes the law of conservation of mass is option B