Final answer:
The statement that chemical reactions are balanced due to the first law of thermodynamics is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chemical equations must be properly balanced because they reflect the law of conservation of mass, which is a fundamental concept in chemistry. The statement that chemical equations are balanced due to the first law of thermodynamics is false.
The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed in an isolated system. However, balancing chemical equations is actually related to the law of conservation of mass, which ensures that the mass remains constant during chemical reactions.
When we balance chemical equations, we are making sure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This process involves adjusting coefficients in front of formulas to get the simplest whole number ratio that balances the equation, without altering the formulas of the reactants and products themselves. For example, if we have a reaction between hydrogen gas (H₂) and oxygen gas (O₂) to form water (H₂O), we balance it by making sure there are two water molecules formed, avoiding any violation of the conservation of mass: H₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2 H₂O(l).