Question

A balanced chemical equation contains a large amount of information. What information is given in a balanced equation?

Short answer

A balanced chemical equation provides information about the reactants, products, mole ratios, physical states, energy changes, and reaction conditions involved in a chemical reaction by depicting the correct stoichiometric coefficients in front of each compound to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. This allows us to determine the molar ratio of reactants and products, and perform stoichiometric calculations.

Step-by-step solution

1. Definition of a balanced chemical equation

A balanced chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction that shows the reactants, the products, and the correct stoichiometric coefficients in front of each compound to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. This is done to obey the law of conservation of mass.

2. Information provided by a balanced chemical equation

A balanced chemical equation contains the following information: a) Reactants and Products: The chemical formulas of the substances that react (reactants) and those that are formed (products) in the chemical reaction. b) The mole ratio: The stoichiometric coefficients in front of each compound indicate the molar ratio of reactants and products in the chemical reaction. These coefficients are crucial for stoichiometric calculations, such as determining the amount of product formed or how much reactant is needed. c) Physical states: The physical state of each substance in the reaction (solid, liquid, gas, or aqueous solution) is often indicated in parentheses after the chemical formula. d) Energy changes: If there is an energy change during the reaction, such as the release or absorption of heat, it might be included in the equation. e) Reaction conditions: Sometimes, the equation will specify necessary conditions for the reaction to occur, such as temperature, pressure, or the presence of a catalyst. In summary, a balanced chemical equation provides information about the reactants, products, mole ratios, physical states, energy changes, and reaction conditions involved in a chemical reaction.