A balanced chemical equation demonstrates that a chemical reaction obeys the law of conservation of matter by ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.
Explanation:
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Law of Conservation of Matter: This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, all atoms present in the reactants must be accounted for in the products.
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Balanced Equation: In a balanced chemical equation, the coefficients (the numbers placed before compounds) are adjusted so that the total number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. For example, in the reaction: \[ 2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O \]
- Reactants: 2 molecules of \(H_2\) contribute 4 hydrogen atoms and 1 molecule of \(O_2\) contributes 2 oxygen atoms, totaling 4 hydrogen and 2 oxygen atoms.
- Products: 2 molecules of \(H_2O\) result in 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms as well.
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Confirmation of Conservation: By balancing the equation, we can see that the numbers of hydrogen and oxygen atoms remain consistent throughout the reaction. This shows that no atoms are lost or gained, thereby confirming the conservation of matter.
In summary, a balanced chemical equation visually represents the principle that during a chemical reaction, the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products, aligning with the law of conservation of matter.
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