Question

Why is it essential to use balanced chemical equations when determining the quantity of a product formed from a given quantity of a reactant?

Short answer

Using balanced chemical equations is essential when determining the quantity of a product formed from a given quantity of a reactant because it ensures the Law of Conservation of Mass is obeyed and provides stoichiometric coefficients for stoichiometry calculations. These coefficients help in accurately predicting reactant amounts required and product amounts formed, allowing for efficient planning and optimization of chemical reactions while reducing waste.

Step-by-step solution

Balanced Chemical Equations

In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element is the same on the reactant side and the product side. This ensures that the Law of Conservation of Mass is followed, meaning the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products. A balanced chemical equation also represents the stoichiometric coefficients, showing the relationship between moles of reactants and products.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of the quantities of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It is based on the coefficients of the balanced chemical equation, which provide the molar proportions of the substances involved. These coefficients help us in determining the mass of reactants needed to produce a desired mass of products or to calculate the mass of products formed from a given mass of reactants.

Importance of Balanced Chemical Equations

When determining the quantity of a product formed from a given quantity of a reactant, it's essential to use a balanced chemical equation because: 1. It obeys the Law of Conservation of Mass, ensuring that the mass of reactants equals the mass of products. 2. It provides stoichiometric coefficients, which are crucial for carrying out stoichiometry calculations. 3. It helps predict the reactant amounts required to produce a desired quantity of products, as well as the product amounts formed from given quantities of reactant. 4. It allows for efficient planning and optimization of chemical reactions, as well as reducing waste by accurately calculating the required amounts of reactants. By using balanced chemical equations, we ensure the accuracy of our calculations related to chemical reactions and their material quantifications, making it essential for determining the quantity of a product formed from a given quantity of a reactant.