Final answer:
Balancing a chemical equation ensures that there are equal numbers of atoms for each element on the reactant and product sides, thus adhering to the law of conservation of mass. By finding the correct coefficients that balance the equation, the chemical reaction is shown to conserve mass as matter cannot be created or destroyed.
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the chemical equation, one must first write out the unbalanced equation and count the number of atoms of each element on both sides. The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so we must have the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. This principle guides the balancing of chemical equations.
The correct coefficients for this equation will yield an equal number of atoms for each element on both the reactant and product sides. Without the actual chemical equation provided, the process involves assigning coefficients to the reactants and products in a way that balances the number of atoms. For instance, if we had a reaction like H2 + O2 → H2O, one would balance it as 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, with coefficients 2, 1, and 2, respectively.
When the reactants and products have the same number of atoms of all elements present, we say the equation is balanced, thus demonstrating conservation of mass. This is crucial because it allows chemists to calculate how much of each reactant is needed and what amount of product will be formed.