Question

What does it mean to say an equation is balanced? Why is it important for an equation to be balanced?

a) An equation is balanced when the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. It is important for conservation of mass.
b) An equation is balanced when the reactants and products have equal masses. It is important for efficient reactions.
c) An equation is balanced when the temperature is the same on both sides. It is important for maintaining reaction equilibrium.
d) An equation is balanced when the volume of the reactants equals the volume of the products. It is important for maintaining pressure.

Answer 1

Answer: A) An equation is balanced when the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. It is important for conservation of mass.

Explanation: This is because mass cannot be created or destroyed so there must be the same atoms of each element present on the reactants and products sides of a reaction. B) does not make sense as all elements have different masses so making them equal is relatively impossible. C) does not make sense as temperature is not relevant when balancing equations. And finally D) does not make sense as volume is also not given nor relevant when only balancing an equation.