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Multiple Choice
Balancing a chemical equation
A
is necessary to observe the law of conservation of energy.
B
involves adding coefficients and changing subscripts.
C
ensures that the same number of molecules are present in the reactants and products.
D
results in the same number of atoms of each element are present in reactants and product.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the law of conservation of mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.
Identify the reactants and products in the chemical equation. Write down the unbalanced equation with the correct chemical formulas for each reactant and product.
Count the number of atoms of each element present in the reactants and the products. This will help you determine which elements need to be balanced.
Add coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. Remember, you can only change the coefficients, not the subscripts in the chemical formulas.
Check your work by recounting the atoms of each element on both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Adjust the coefficients as necessary to achieve a balanced equation.