Introduction to Chemical Equations Video Lecture - Class 10

Ans. A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction. It shows the reactants on the left side, the products on the right side, and the chemical formulas of the substances involved in the reaction.

Ans. The purpose of balancing a chemical equation is to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. By balancing the equation, we make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Ans. To balance a chemical equation, you need to adjust the coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas) so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Start by balancing the atoms that appear in the fewest compounds and then proceed to balance the others.

Ans. The steps involved in balancing a chemical equation are as follows: 1. Write down the unbalanced equation. 2. Count the number of atoms of each element on both sides. 3. Start balancing the atoms that appear in the fewest compounds. 4. Use coefficients to adjust the number of atoms until they are the same on both sides. 5. Double-check that all atoms are balanced.

Ans. Sure! Let's take the example of the combustion of methane (CH4) in the presence of oxygen (O2) to form carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The unbalanced equation is: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + H2O To balance this equation, we start by balancing the carbon atoms. Since there is one carbon atom on the left side and one on the right side, the carbon is already balanced. Next, we balance the hydrogen atoms. There are four hydrogen atoms on the left side and two on the right side, so we need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of the H2O: CH4 + O2 → CO2 + 2H2O Finally, we balance the oxygen atoms. There are two oxygen atoms on the left side and four on the right side, so we need to put a coefficient of 2 in front of the O2: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O Now, all atoms are balanced, and the equation is balanced.