Question

When balancing an equation, you must make sure that

a. the number of atoms for each element are the same on the product side and the reactant side
b.the products have more atoms than the reactants
c. the reactants have more atoms than the products
d.the coefficients are all the same number

Answer 1

Option a. The number of atoms for each element are the same on the product side and the reactant side

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical equation:

Chemical equation is a symbolic representation of any chemical reaction in the form of symbols of element and chemical formula of the compounds involved.

All the reactants involved are written on the left hand side and all the products formed are written on right hand side. Reactants and products are separated by arrow.

Balanced chemical equation is required for the stoichiometric calculation.

In balanced chemical equation:

• Number of atoms for each element present towards reactant side is equal to the number of atoms for each element towards product side.
• Charges of reactant side is also equal to the charges present towards produc side.

Consider a balanced chemical equation:

`CH_4\ +\ 4Cl_2 \rightarrow CCl_4 +\ 4HCl`

C = 1 C = 1

H = 4 H = 4

Cl = 8 Cl = 8

Among given options, option a is correct.

Answer 2

I believe the correct answer from the choices listed above is option A. When balancing an equation, you must make sure that the number of atoms for each element are the same on the product side and the reactant side. This follows the law of conservation of mass where mass cannot be created or destroyed. Hope this answers the question.