Ex-4 What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced?

 CBSE Class 10 Chemistry Chapter 1 - Chemical Reactions and Equations Exercise 4


What is a balanced chemical equation? Why should chemical equations be balanced? 

What is a balanced chemical equation?

A balanced chemical equation is a representation of a chemical reaction where the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation (reactants and products). This means that the total mass of reactants equals the total mass of products.

For example:

  • Unbalanced: H2 + O2 → H2O
  • Balanced: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

In the balanced equation, we have 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides.

Why should chemical equations be balanced?

Chemical equations must be balanced for several important reasons:

1. Law of Conservation of Mass This fundamental law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products. Balancing ensures this law is satisfied by having equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides.

2. Accurate Representation of Reality Balanced equations reflect what actually happens during chemical reactions. Atoms are rearranged but never lost or created, so our equations must show this accurately.

3. Stoichiometric Calculations Balanced equations provide the correct molar ratios between reactants and products, which are essential for:

  • Calculating how much product can be formed from given reactants
  • Determining how much of each reactant is needed
  • Finding limiting reagents in reactions

4. Quantitative Analysis Only balanced equations allow chemists to make precise predictions about quantities involved in reactions, which is crucial for industrial processes, laboratory work, and theoretical calculations.

5. Understanding Reaction Mechanisms Balanced equations help us understand the actual process occurring at the molecular level and ensure our understanding aligns with physical reality.

In essence, balancing chemical equations ensures that our written representation matches the fundamental laws of chemistry and provides a reliable foundation for all chemical calculations and predictions.


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