Yes, the total number of atoms stays the same during a chemical reaction. This is known as the Law of Conservation of Mass.

Here's why:

* Atoms are not created or destroyed in chemical reactions. They are simply rearranged.

* Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of bonds between atoms. The atoms themselves remain unchanged.

* The number of each type of atom on the reactant side (starting materials) must equal the number of each type of atom on the product side (ending materials). This is represented by balanced chemical equations.

For example, in the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water:

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

* Reactants: 4 hydrogen atoms (2 x 2) and 2 oxygen atoms (1 x 2).

* Products: 4 hydrogen atoms (2 x 2) and 2 oxygen atoms (2 x 1).

The number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation, demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Mass.