Question

How is the balancing of chemical equations related to the law of conservation of mass?

Short answer

The balancing of chemical equations is related to the law of conservation of mass because it ensures that the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products. This is achieved by adjusting the coefficients in a chemical equation so that the number of atoms for each element in the reactants is equal to the number of atoms for that element in the products. Consequently, this obeys the principle that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system, which is the main premise of the law of conservation of mass.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Law of Conservation of Mass

The law of conservation of mass, also known as the principle of mass conservation, states that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system. In other words, the total mass of reactants in a chemical reaction must be equal to the total mass of products formed.

Understanding Chemical Equations

A chemical equation is a concise representation of a chemical reaction in which the symbols and formulas of the reactants are written on the left side of the equation and the symbols and formulas of the products are written on the right side of the equation. The reactants and products are separated by an arrow, which represents the direction of the reaction.

Balancing Chemical Equations

In order to balance a chemical equation, we have to make sure that the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation is equal. We do this by adjusting the coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas) of the reactants and products. It's important to note that when balancing an equation, we can only change the coefficients and never the subscripts within the chemical formulas.

Relating Balancing of Chemical Equations to the Law of Conservation of Mass

Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the law of conservation of mass is obeyed. By adjusting the coefficients in a chemical equation, we are making sure that the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products. This means that the number of atoms for each element in the reactants must be equal to the number of atoms for that element in the products. For example, consider the following unbalanced equation representing the combustion of methane: $C{H}_4+O_2\to C{O}_2+H_{2}O$ To balance this equation, we follow these steps: 1. Count the number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation. 2. Adjust the coefficients to make the number of atoms for each element equal on both sides. By doing so, we get the balanced equation: $C{H}_4+2O_2\to C{O}_2+2H_{2}O$ Now, the number of atoms for each element on both sides is equal, and the law of conservation of mass is satisfied. In conclusion, the balancing of chemical equations is related to the law of conservation of mass because it ensures that the total mass of reactants is equal to the total mass of products, which is the main principle of the law of conservation of mass.

Key concepts

Law of Conservation of Mass

The law of conservation of mass is a fundamental concept in chemistry. It states that mass in an isolated system is neither created nor destroyed by chemical reactions or physical transformations. This implies that for any chemical process, the mass of the reactants must equal the mass of the products. This principle helps us understand that matter is conserved, though it may change forms or states. Imagine a closed system wherein a reaction occurs: no mass is lost nor gained unless it leaves or enters the system.

• For example, when you burn wood, the total mass of ashes, gases, and other products equals the mass of the original wood plus the oxygen it reacted with.

The law of conservation of mass is often visualized during balancing chemical equations, ensuring that the quantity of each atom remains constant through the transformation.

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are the shorthand way chemists convey what happens in a phenomenon. They tell us which compounds, known as reactants, come together to form new compounds called products. A chemical equation is made of symbols and formulas that show the elements involved and their quantities.It starts with reactants on the left, separated by an arrow pointing to the right towards the products, indicating the direction of the reaction. For example, the combustion of methane can be represented as:$$C{H}_4+2O_2\to C{O}_2+2H_{2}O$$This equation tells us that one molecule of methane reacts with two molecules of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Chemical equations provide a clear, concise way to communicate the quantities and substances involved in reactions.

Chemical Reaction Coefficients

Chemical reaction coefficients are numbers placed in front of reactants and products in an equation to balance it according to the law of conservation of mass. They ensure that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation.In the equation:$$C{H}_4+2O_2\to C{O}_2+2H_{2}O$$The coefficients indicate that one methane molecule reacts with two oxygen molecules, producing one carbon dioxide and two water molecules.

• Changing these coefficients can alter the amount of each substance involved in the reaction.
• They should be adjusted carefully to maintain the balance without changing the chemical identity of the substances involved.

Coefficients play a crucial role in confirming mass conservation, keeping the equation balanced and respecting the principle of matter conservation.

Reactants and Products

In a chemical equation, reactants are the starting substances that undergo change. Products are the new substances formed as a result of the reaction. Understanding the role of reactants and products is vital for constructing and balancing chemical equations correctly.

• For example, when methane $C{H}_4$ combusts in oxygen $O_2$, these are the reactants.
• The products formed are carbon dioxide $C{O}_2$ and water $H_{2}O$.

Recognizing which substances are reactants or products helps us write and balance chemical equations. It's crucial for understanding how matter is conserved. Detecting changes in these substances helps discern physical and chemical changes and ensures the appropriate application of coefficients to balance the equation correctly.

Atom Counting

Atom counting is a critical step in balancing chemical equations. It involves recording the number of each type of atom in reactants and products to ensure they are the same on both sides. This practice helps verify the application of the law of conservation of mass.Compiling atom counts involves listing each element and then ensuring the quantity of each atom matches that on the product side.

• For example, in the reaction $C{H}_4+2O_2\to C{O}_2+2H_{2}O$, you count the atoms: one carbon, four hydrogen, and four oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

By performing atom counting, we easily spot imbalances and adjust coefficients to achieve equilibrium, ensuring no atom is lost or gained in the process.

Mass Conservation in Reactions

Mass conservation in reactions ties back to the law of conservation of mass, ensuring the mass of reactants equals the mass of products post-reaction. It's crucial because it allows chemists to predict the outcomes of reactions and the quantities of products formed.

• This concept not only applies to simple chemical reactions but also to complex reactions in industrial processes and natural phenomena.
• By honoring mass conservation, we can ensure sustainable and efficient chemical processes.

Balancing chemical equations to reflect mass conservation helps maintain the integrity of the reactions and is fundamental to scientific research and practical applications in numerous fields.