Before balancing a chemical equation, what should be checked first?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides
The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to count the atoms of every element on the reactant and product sides. By conservation of mass, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides. This is achieved by changing coefficients, not the subscripts in chemical formulae. Colour or smell is not relevant to balancing an equation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides
Why is this the correct answer?
The first step in balancing a chemical equation is to count the atoms of every element on the reactant and product sides. By conservation of mass, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides. This is achieved by changing coefficients, not the subscripts in chemical formulae. Colour or smell is not relevant to balancing an equation.
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.
