How do balanced chemical equations illustrate the conservation of mass?

Balanced chemical equations illustrate the conservation of mass by indicating that the number of atoms is the same on both sides of the equation. This reflects the principle that in a chemical reaction, atoms are neither created nor destroyed; they are simply rearranged to form new products.

When the equation is balanced, it shows that for every atom of an element on the reactant side, there is an equal number of that same atom on the product side. This balance ensures that the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry. The conservation of mass is a vital principle that underscores the idea that during any chemical reaction, while the substances interacting may change, the total quantity of matter remains unchanged.

The other options do not correctly apply to the conservation of mass as demonstrated by balanced equations. Energy conservation pertains to different principles, element creation is not part of standard reactions, and temperature changes relate to reaction kinetics rather than the conservation of mass.