Question

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using a chemical equation?

A) To determine the cost of chemical reactions
B) To visualize the states of matter involved
C) To balance the quantity of elements in a reaction
D) To identify the speed of a chemical reaction

Answer 1

The purpose of a chemical equation is to balance the quantity of elements in a reaction, indicating the relative amounts of reactants and products while conserving mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of using a chemical equation is primarily to provide a representation of a chemical reaction that shows the substances involved and their quantitative relationships. The correct answer to the student's question is C) To balance the quantity of elements in a reaction. Chemical equations use coefficients to indicate the relative amounts of each reactant and product, ensuring the law of conservation of mass is observed. The equations do not directly indicate costs, states of matter can be inferred but are not the primary purpose, and they do not describe the speed of the reaction.