Which Equation Is Balanced?A. ${ Mg_3N_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow 3MgO + 2NH_3 }$B. ${ C_3H_8 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 4H_2O + 3CO_2 }$C. ${ Zn + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2 }$D. $[ 3H_2SO_4 + 2Fe \rightarrow Fe_2(SO_4)_3 +

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Chemical equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, representing the interaction between substances and the transformation of one substance into another. A balanced chemical equation is a crucial aspect of chemistry, as it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is upheld. In this article, we will explore the concept of balanced chemical equations and examine four given equations to determine which one is balanced.

What is a Balanced Chemical Equation?

A balanced chemical equation is a chemical equation in which the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This means that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied, and the equation is considered to be balanced. A balanced chemical equation is essential in chemistry, as it helps to:

  • Ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld
  • Provide a clear understanding of the chemical reaction
  • Enable the calculation of the amount of substance required for a reaction
  • Facilitate the prediction of the products formed in a reaction

How to Balance a Chemical Equation?

Balancing a chemical equation involves adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides. The steps to balance a chemical equation are:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation
  2. Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides
  3. Adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation
  4. Check that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied

Examining the Given Equations

We are given four chemical equations, and we need to determine which one is balanced. The equations are:

A. ${ Mg_3N_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow 3MgO + 2NH_3 }$

B. ${ C_3H_8 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 4H_2O + 3CO_2 }$

C. ${ Zn + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2 }$

D. ${ 3H_2SO_4 + 2Fe \rightarrow Fe_2(SO_4)_3 + H_2O }$

Equation A: Mg3N2 + 6H2O → 3MgO + 2NH3

Let's examine Equation A and determine if it is balanced. We can start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides.

Reactants:

  • Mg: 3
  • N: 2
  • H: 12
  • O: 6

Products:

  • Mg: 3
  • O: 3
  • N: 3
  • H: 6

The number of atoms for each element is not the same on both sides, so Equation A is not balanced.

Equation B: C3H8 + 5O2 → 4H2O + 3CO2

Next, let's examine Equation B and determine if it is balanced. We can start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides.

Reactants:

  • C: 3
  • H: 8
  • O: 10

Products:

  • C: 3
  • O: 8
  • H: 8

The number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, so Equation B is balanced.

Equation C: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

Now, let's examine Equation C and determine if it is balanced. We can start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides.

Reactants:

  • Zn: 1
  • H: 2
  • Cl: 2

Products:

  • Zn: 1
  • Cl: 2
  • H: 2

The number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, so Equation C is balanced.

Equation D: 3H2SO4 + 2Fe → Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O

Finally, let's examine Equation D and determine if it is balanced. We can start by counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides.

Reactants:

  • H: 6
  • S: 6
  • O: 24
  • Fe: 2

Products:

  • Fe: 2
  • S: 3
  • O: 9
  • H: 2

The number of atoms for each element is not the same on both sides, so Equation D is not balanced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have examined four chemical equations and determined which one is balanced. The balanced equation is:

B. ${ C_3H_8 + 5O_2 \rightarrow 4H_2O + 3CO_2 }$

This equation is balanced, as the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides. The other equations are not balanced, as the number of atoms for each element is not the same on both sides.

Importance of Balanced Chemical Equations

Balanced chemical equations are essential in chemistry, as they help to:

  • Ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld
  • Provide a clear understanding of the chemical reaction
  • Enable the calculation of the amount of substance required for a reaction
  • Facilitate the prediction of the products formed in a reaction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of balanced chemical equations and examined four given equations to determine which one is balanced. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand balanced chemical equations better.

Q: What is a balanced chemical equation?

A: A balanced chemical equation is a chemical equation in which the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This means that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied, and the equation is considered to be balanced.

Q: Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

A: Balancing chemical equations is essential in chemistry, as it helps to:

  • Ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld
  • Provide a clear understanding of the chemical reaction
  • Enable the calculation of the amount of substance required for a reaction
  • Facilitate the prediction of the products formed in a reaction

Q: How do I balance a chemical equation?

A: To balance a chemical equation, follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation
  2. Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides
  3. Adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation
  4. Check that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when balancing chemical equations include:

  • Not counting the number of atoms for each element on both sides
  • Not adjusting the coefficients of the reactants and products correctly
  • Not checking that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied
  • Not using the correct method to balance the equation

Q: How do I know if a chemical equation is balanced?

A: To determine if a chemical equation is balanced, count the number of atoms for each element on both sides. If the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, the equation is balanced.

Q: What are some examples of balanced chemical equations?

A: Some examples of balanced chemical equations include:

  • { 2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O \}

  • { C_2H_4 + 3O_2 \rightarrow 2CO_2 + 2H_2O \}

  • { 2Na + Cl_2 \rightarrow 2NaCl \}

Q: Can a chemical equation be unbalanced?

A: Yes, a chemical equation can be unbalanced. An unbalanced chemical equation is one in which the number of atoms for each element is not the same on both the reactant and product sides.

Q: How do I balance a complex chemical equation?

A: To balance a complex chemical equation, follow these steps:

  1. Write the unbalanced equation
  2. Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides
  3. Identify the elements that are not balanced
  4. Adjust the coefficients of the reactants and products to balance the equation
  5. Check that the law of conservation of mass is satisfied

Q: What are some resources available to help me balance chemical equations?

A: Some resources available to help you balance chemical equations include:

  • Online balancing tools and calculators
  • Chemistry textbooks and reference books
  • Online tutorials and videos
  • Chemistry software and apps

Conclusion

In conclusion, balanced chemical equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, and they play a crucial role in understanding chemical reactions. By following the steps outlined in this Q&A guide, you can balance chemical equations and gain a deeper understanding of the chemical reactions that occur in the world around us.