We need to balance it because as we know that mass can neither be created nor be distroyed and also the number of atoms on the reactant side should always be equal to the compounds on the product side .

Introduction:
Balancing a skeletal chemical equation is an essential step in chemistry. It ensures that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, as well as providing accurate information about the reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction. Balancing equations is crucial for accurately calculating stoichiometry, determining the limiting reactant, and predicting the products of a reaction.

Reasons to justify the statement:

1. Conservation of mass:
Balancing a skeletal chemical equation is necessary to uphold the law of conservation of mass. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, but only rearranged. By balancing the equation, we ensure that the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation remains the same. This allows us to verify that the reaction obeys the conservation of mass.

2. Accurate stoichiometry:
Balancing a chemical equation provides us with the stoichiometric coefficients needed to accurately determine the quantities of reactants consumed and products formed in a reaction. These coefficients represent the relative amounts of substances involved in the reaction, allowing us to calculate the mole ratios necessary for stoichiometric calculations. Without a balanced equation, determining the correct stoichiometry becomes impossible.

3. Identifying limiting reactant:
Balancing a chemical equation helps in identifying the limiting reactant, which is the reactant that is completely consumed in a reaction. The balanced equation allows us to compare the mole ratios of the reactants and determine which one will be consumed first. This information is crucial for predicting the maximum amount of product that can be formed and understanding the efficiency of a reaction.

4. Predicting products:
Balancing a chemical equation also helps in predicting the products of a reaction. By ensuring that the equation is balanced, we can determine the correct combination of reactants and products. This is particularly important in predicting the outcome of complex reactions, where multiple products can be formed depending on the stoichiometry.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, balancing a skeletal chemical equation is vital for several reasons. It upholds the law of conservation of mass, allows for accurate stoichiometry calculations, helps in identifying the limiting reactant, and predicts the products of a reaction. By balancing equations, we ensure that the fundamental principles of chemistry are upheld and enable us to make accurate predictions and calculations related to chemical reactions.