What is done to balance a skeletal chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Suitable coefficients are placed before the chemical formulae without changing them.
Balancing a skeletal equation means making the number of atoms of every element equal on both sides while preserving the identities of the substances. This is done by adding suitable whole-number coefficients before formulae, such as changing H₂ + O₂ → H₂O to 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. Subscripts must not be altered because that would create different substances. Hence A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Suitable coefficients are placed before the chemical formulae without changing them.
Why is this the correct answer?
Balancing a skeletal equation means making the number of atoms of every element equal on both sides while preserving the identities of the substances. This is done by adding suitable whole-number coefficients before formulae, such as changing H₂ + O₂ → H₂O to 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. Subscripts must not be altered because that would create different substances. Hence A 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.
