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What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

A balanced chemical equation contains atoms of each type in the reaction similar in both the product and reactant sides. The law of conservation of mass is the law governing the balance of a chemical equation. So it has to be balanced.

Balanced Chemical Equation

  • A chemical equation is said to be balanced if the quantity of each type of atom in the reaction is the same on both the reactant and product sides.
  • In a balanced chemical equation, the mass and the change are both equal.

To be consistent with the law of conservation of mass and constant proportions, the equation must satisfy this requirement. By calculating the total number of atoms on either side of the arrow and comparing the results to make sure they are identical, it can be verified. It is important to remember that the coefficient of any formula including an element is multiplied by the element’s subscript in order to calculate the number of atoms for that element. The number of atoms represented by each formula must be calculated and added together if an element appears in more than one formula on a particular side of the equation.

Law of conservation of mass

  • A chemical equation must balance according to the rule of conservation of mass.
  • According to the rule, mass cannot be generated or removed during a chemical process.
  • Chemical equations need to be appropriately balanced because of this.

Summary:

What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?

Atoms of each type are present in an equilibrium chemical equation where the product and reactant sides of the reaction are comparable. A chemical equation’s equilibrium is governed by the rule of conservation of mass. Therefore, it must be balanced.

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