Final answer:
Leandra's model aids in understanding chemical reactions by showing that the same number of atoms exists on both sides of the equation, proving that mass is conserved according to the law of conservation of mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leandra's model of a chemical reaction can help understand what happens to atoms and compounds during chemical reactions and how mass is conserved because it visually represents the law of conservation of mass. By drawing a correct picture on the other side of the arrow, Leandra ensures that the same number of atoms for each element is present on both sides of the reaction equation.
It's crucial for the equation to be balanced to reflect this law, confirming that matter is not created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. An example of this would be the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water, where the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms remains constant before and after the reaction.
To balance the chemical equation and prove the law of conservation of mass, you would ensure that the number of atoms of each element in the reactants matches the number of atoms of each element in the products. This model serves as a visual and practical tool for understanding these abstract concepts concretely, reinforcing the idea that the physical matter involved in reactants is merely rearranged to become the products, with no loss of mass.