What is the deepest reason for keeping atoms of all elements equal on both sides of a balanced chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: To show conservation of mass
A chemical reaction rearranges existing atoms into new substances; it does not create or destroy atoms. Therefore, each element must have the same number of atoms among the reactants and products. This atom balance expresses the law of conservation of mass because the total mass contributed by each type of atom is retained. Energy may change, but balancing coefficients are not primarily used to show energy, colour or temperature conservation. Option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
To show conservation of mass
Why is this the correct answer?
A chemical reaction rearranges existing atoms into new substances; it does not create or destroy atoms. Therefore, each element must have the same number of atoms among the reactants and products. This atom balance expresses the law of conservation of mass because the total mass contributed by each type of atom is retained. Energy may change, but balancing coefficients are not primarily used to show energy, colour or temperature conservation. Option B is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
