Chapter 20, Problem 3RQ

To determine

The importance of balancing a chemical equation.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

To ensure the number of reacting particles and the number of product particles is same and to conserve the mass on both the sides of the chemical equation.

Explanation of Solution

The expression used to express a chemical process taking place in a chemical reaction is called a chemical equation. The chemical equation describes the conversion of reactant molecules to the product molecules involved in a chemical reaction.

Since atoms cannot be created in a chemical reaction or either cannot be destroyed during a chemical process. Thus, a chemical equation should be balanced.

Balancing is the technique to check whether the number of reactant atoms and the number of product atoms involved is same in the chemical process to ensure the Law of conservation of mass.

Conclusion:

Therefore, to ensure the number of reacting particles and the number of product particles are the same and to conserve the mass on both the sides of the chemical equation.