Why Do We Balance The Chemical Equation ?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
We balance a chemical equation because it is a fundamental step in chemistry that ensures the equation obeys the law of conservation of mass and the law of conservation of charge.
For example:
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
In this equation, there are two hydrogen atoms on the left side (in the H₂ molecule) and four hydrogen atoms on the right side (in the 2H₂O molecules). By balancing the equation, we can see that we need to multiply the H₂ molecule on the left side by 2 to achieve an equal number of hydrogen atoms on both sides.
Table of content
Law Of Conservation Of Mass To Balance Chemical Equation
The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total number and types of atoms present in the reactants must be equal to the total number and types of atoms in the products. By balancing the chemical equation, you ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Balancing the equation also ensures that the law of conservation of charge is satisfied. In a chemical reaction, the total charge must be conserved. This means that the sum of the charges on the reactants must be equal to the sum of the charges on the products. Balancing the equation helps ensure that the charges are balanced correctly.
Balanced Chemical Equation
A balanced chemical equation is a representation of a chemical reaction using chemical formulas and coefficients. It shows the reactants on the left side of the equation, the products on the right side, and the relative amounts of each substance involved.
To balance a chemical equation, you adjust the coefficients (whole numbers placed in front of the chemical formulas) to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
For example: The combustion of propane (C₃H₈) with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). The unbalanced equation is:
Unbalanced Equation: C₃H₈ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
Balanced Equation: C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O
Summary:
Why do we balance the chemical equation?
Balancing chemical equations is important because it allows us to accurately represent the reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction, and it ensures that the fundamental laws of conservation of mass and charge are upheld.
Related Questions:
- A person sitting on the ground floor of a building notices through the window, of height 1.5 m, a ball dropped from the roof of the building and crosses the window in 0.1 s. What is the velocity of the ball when it is at the topmost point of the window?
- Convert the following temperatures to the Celsius scale. (a) 293 K (b) 470 K
- Write one equation each for decomposition reactions where energy is supplied in the form of heat, light, or electricity.
- Let S={1,2,3,4,5,6}. Then the probability that a randomly chosen onto function G from S to S satisfies g(3)=2g(1) is?
- Two trains running in opposite directions cross a man standing on the platform in 27 seconds and 17 seconds respectively and they cross each other in 23 seconds. The ratio of their speed is.
- A dealer gets Rs. 56 less if instead of selling a chair at again of 15%, it is sold at a gain of 8%. Find the cost price of the chair.
- Find the largest number which divides 438 and 606, leaving remainder 6 in each case.
