Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fundamental principle of classical physics: The law of conservation of matter is a scientific law stating that the total mass of an isolated system remains constant over time. Matter is neither created nor destroyed, but may change form through chemical or physical processes.

Usage

• This law is a foundational concept in chemistry and physics.
• It is used to analyze and predict the outcomes of chemical reactions and physical changes.
• The law applies specifically to isolated systems, meaning systems where no matter enters or leaves.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In a balanced chemical equation, the law of conservation of matter is demonstrated by having the same number of atoms of each element on both sides.
  • When water evaporates, it seems to disappear, but the law of conservation of matter tells us the water molecules have simply changed into a gaseous state.

Advanced Usage

• "Uphold the law of conservation of matter": To confirm or demonstrate its validity in a given process.
  • Our experiment's results uphold the law of conservation of matter, as the total mass of the products equaled the mass of the reactants.
• "In accordance with the law of conservation of matter": Describing a process that follows this principle.
  • The chemical reaction was designed in accordance with the law of conservation of matter.

Variants and Related Words

• Conservation of mass: A synonymous term often used interchangeably with "law of conservation of matter."
• Principle of mass conservation: Another equivalent phrase for this law.
• Law of conservation of mass and energy: A more comprehensive modern principle from relativity theory, stating that the total combination of mass and energy in an isolated system is conserved. This supersedes the classical law of conservation of matter for processes involving very high energies.

Synonyms

• Conservation of mass
• Principle of mass conservation

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Closed system: A system where mass is conserved because no matter crosses its boundaries.
• Chemical equation: A representation of a reaction where the law is shown by balancing the atoms.
• Mass: The quantitative measure of matter, which is conserved in classical physics.

Noun

1. a fundamental principle of classical physics that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system