Question

On what basis is a chemical equation balanced

Answer 1

A Chemical equation is always balanced on comparison of number of atoms of each element on both sides of the reaction.

During the balancing of chemical equation it is need to be followed that “ it has to follow law of conservation of mass (mass on reactants side should be equal to mass on the products side)”.

Ex: H2 + O2 → H2O

In the above equation when Hydrogen atoms were compared on both sides of the reaction both are equal and when Oxygen atoms were compared they are not equal. So in this equation Oxygen atoms were not balanced on both sides of the reaction. And balancing of equation is required.

H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Similarly now Hydrogen were not balanced. So it requires balancing.

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O

Now comparing both Hydrogen and Oxygen on both sides then, found equal. So it is a balanced equation..