Final answer:
In a balanced chemical equation, the total number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to that on the product side, upholding the law of conservation of matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a balanced chemical equation, the total number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to the total number of atoms on the product side. This is because chemical reactions must adhere to the law of conservation of matter, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system.
Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients in front of chemical formulas until the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the reaction arrow. This balance ensures that the same numbers and types of atoms are present before and after the reaction, thereby confirming that no atoms are lost or gained in the process.