A balanced chemical equation takes into account the theory that: a. Compounds and elements remain unchanged in a chemical reaction
b. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction
c. The total mass always increases during a chemical reaction
d. The mass of any gases involved can be ignored.

Which is correct?

b. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction

Explanation:

B is correct, because the law of conservation of mass tells us that during a chemical reaction, there is no net gain or loss of mass. Mass comes from the atoms themselves that are participating in the reaction, so there is no gain or loss (creation or destruction) of atoms.