Why is it important to balance a chemical equation?

• A. To ensure the law of conservation of mass is obeyed
• B. To increase the rate of the chemical reaction
• C. To change the physical state of the reactants
• D. To make the reaction produce more products than reactants

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chemical equation represents a chemical reaction, showing reactants on the left and products on the right.
2. Recall the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction.
3. Recognize that balancing a chemical equation ensures the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation.
4. Know that balancing does not affect the rate of reaction or physical states, but ensures the equation accurately reflects the quantities of substances involved.
5. Conclude that balancing is important to obey the law of conservation of mass, confirming that mass is conserved during the reaction.