What is the main difference between a skeletal equation and a balanced equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: In a skeletal equation, the number of atoms of each element need not be equal on both sides, whereas in a balanced equation it is equal
A skeletal equation gives the correct chemical formulae of reactants and products, but the number of atoms of each element may not be equal on the two sides. In a balanced equation, only the coefficients are adjusted to make the number of atoms of every element equal on both sides. Thus, it obeys the law of conservation of mass. Option C is incorrect because chemical formulae are also written in a skeletal equation. Exam tip: while balancing, do not change subscripts in formulae; change only coefficients.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
In a skeletal equation, the number of atoms of each element need not be equal on both sides, whereas in a balanced equation it is equal
Why is this the correct answer?
A skeletal equation gives the correct chemical formulae of reactants and products, but the number of atoms of each element may not be equal on the two sides. In a balanced equation, only the coefficients are adjusted to make the number of atoms of every element equal on both sides. Thus, it obeys the law of conservation of mass. Option C is incorrect because chemical formulae are also written in a skeletal equation. Exam tip: while balancing, do not change subscripts in formulae; change only coefficients.
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.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
