Question

How does a balanced chemical equation apply the law of conservation of mass?

Short answer

A balanced chemical equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides, demonstrating the conservation of mass.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass

The Law of Conservation of Mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of the products.

Identify Reactants and Products

In a chemical equation, the substances that react are called reactants, and the substances that are formed are called products. Identify these on both sides of the equation.

Count the Number of Atoms

Count the number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and the product side of the equation.

Write the Balanced Chemical Equation

Adjust the coefficients (the numbers in front of the chemical formulas) to ensure that there is the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Verify the Balance

Double-check the equation to make sure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides. This confirms that mass is conserved.

Conclusion

A balanced chemical equation demonstrates that the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products, thus applying the law of conservation of mass.

Key concepts

Law of Conservation of Mass

The Law of Conservation of Mass is a fundamental principle in chemistry. It states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of the reactants, which are the substances you start with, has to equal the total mass of the products, which are the substances that result from the reaction. In simpler terms, what you put in must come out, just rearranged. This law is crucial when balancing chemical equations because it ensures that the same amount of each element is present before and after the reaction. So, no atoms are lost or gained; they are just rearranged into new substances.

Reactants and Products

In any chemical reaction, you have reactants and products. Reactants are the substances that undergo the chemical change. They are found on the left side of a chemical equation. Products are the new substances formed as a result of the chemical reaction and are found on the right side of the equation. For example, in the reaction where hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water, hydrogen and oxygen are the reactants, and water is the product.

Identifying your reactants and products is the first step in understanding and balancing a chemical equation. It helps you see what you start with and what you end with. This step is necessary before you can apply the law of conservation of mass and balance your equation.

Balancing Equations

Balancing chemical equations is all about making sure there are the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Begin by counting the number of atoms of each element in the reactants and the products. This count will tell you how many of each atom you have before and after the reaction.

To balance the equation, change the coefficients (the numbers in front of each molecule). Do not alter the subscripts (the small numbers that are part of the chemical formulas) as this changes the substance itself. For example, if you need more hydrogen atoms, you adjust the coefficient in front of the hydrogen reactant, not the subscript inside the chemical formula.

After making adjustments, recheck the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. Repeat the process until the numbers match, ensuring the equation is balanced, demonstrating that the law of conservation of mass holds true. In summary, a balanced equation confirms the mass of reactants equals the mass of the products, adhering to the conservation of mass.