Why is it important to balance a skeletal chemical equation?a)To verif...
In a chemical reaction mass is neither created nor destroyed. The total mass of the reactants is always equal to the total mass of the products formed in the reaction. A skeletal equation would defy the law of conservation of mass.There is a change only in the energy of the reactants and products.
Why is it important to balance a skeletal chemical equation?a)To verif...
The correct answer is option 'C' - to verify the law of conservation of mass.
Explanation:
Chemical equations are written to represent chemical reactions, where reactants undergo a transformation to form products. These equations are written using chemical formulas and symbols to represent the different substances involved in the reaction. However, it is important to balance these equations to ensure that they accurately represent the reactants and products involved in the reaction.
Law of Conservation of Mass:
The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed during a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants must be equal to the total mass of the products. Balancing a skeletal chemical equation is a way to verify the law of conservation of mass.
Balancing a Chemical Equation:
To balance a chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation must be the same. This is done by adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas) of the reactants and products. The aim is to ensure that the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides of the equation.
Importance of Balancing:
1. Verification of the Law of Conservation of Mass: Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the total number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This confirms that mass is conserved in the reaction, supporting the law of conservation of mass.
2. Accurate Representation of the Reaction: Balancing the equation provides a clear and accurate representation of the reactants and products involved in the reaction. It shows the stoichiometry, or the ratio of reactants and products, allowing for better understanding and analysis of the reaction.
3. Quantitative Information: Balancing the equation allows for the determination of the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in the reaction. This information is crucial for calculations such as determining the limiting reactant, theoretical yield, and percent yield.
4. Predicting Reaction Outcomes: A balanced chemical equation provides information about the stoichiometry of the reaction, allowing predictions to be made about the quantities and types of products that will be formed.
In conclusion, balancing a skeletal chemical equation is important to verify the law of conservation of mass. It ensures that the total mass of the reactants is equal to the total mass of the products, supporting the fundamental principle that mass is conserved during a chemical reaction.