Question

Explain why we must balance all chemical equations.

Answer 1

A chemical equation should be balanced because of law of mass conservation.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Laws in science are some rules applied on every form of matter.
• Law of mass conservation describes that matter can neither be created nor destroyed but it can be changed from one state to another.
• So in chemical equation either matter is changing its form one state (reactants) to other state(products).
• And balancing chemical equation is the equalization of number of atoms on both sides of equation.
• Which is we are indirectly following law of mass conservation.

Answer 2

Answer is: The chemical equation must be balanced so that it follows the law of conservation of mass.

For example, ablanced chemical reaction:

Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + Li₂SO₄(aq) → PbSO₄(s) + 2LiNO₃(aq).

According to law (principle) of mass conservation, number of atoms must be equal on both side of balanced chemical reaction.

There are two lithium atoms, one lead atom, one sulfur atom, ten oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms on both side of reaction.