Which statement correctly describes the difference between a skeletal chemical equation and a balanced chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: In a skeletal equation, the number of atoms of an element may not be the same on both sides, whereas in a balanced equation, the number of atoms of every element is the same on both sides.
A skeletal equation shows the correct chemical formulae of reactants and products, but the number of atoms may not be equal on the two sides. In a balanced equation, the number of atoms of each element is the same on the reactant and product sides, in accordance with the law of conservation of mass. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O}\) is skeletal, whereas \(\mathrm{2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O}\) is balanced. Only coefficients are changed during balancing; chemical formulae are not changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
In a skeletal equation, the number of atoms of an element may not be the same on both sides, whereas in a balanced equation, the number of atoms of every element is the same on both sides.
Why is this the correct answer?
A skeletal equation shows the correct chemical formulae of reactants and products, but the number of atoms may not be equal on the two sides. In a balanced equation, the number of atoms of each element is the same on the reactant and product sides, in accordance with the law of conservation of mass. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O}\) is skeletal, whereas \(\mathrm{2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O}\) is balanced. Only coefficients are changed during balancing; chemical formulae are not changed.
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.
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