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Chapter 3: Problem 57

Why must a chemical equation be balanced? What law is obeyed by a balanced chemical equation?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A chemical equation must be balanced to reflect the nature of the reactions correctly and align with the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law, obeyed by balanced chemical equations, states that mass cannot be created or destroyed.

Step by step solution

01

Define a Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation is an expression used in chemistry that represents the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. Each side of the equation matches in terms of number of atoms for each element, respecting the conservation of mass.
02

Explain Why a Chemical Equation Must Be Balanced

Equations must be balanced to accurately reflect the law of conservation of mass. This law states that in a closed system, the amount of mass remains constant and cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, for a chemical equation to be correct, the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both the reactant and product side to indicate no mass has been lost or gained during the reaction. In other words, the matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.
03

State the Law Obeyed by a Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation obeys the Law of Conservation of Mass. This law forms the fundamental base of chemical reactions. Unbalanced reactions disregard this law by presenting unequal amounts of atoms for an element in the reactants and products.

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