Chapter 11.1, Problem 7SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ways in which a balanced chemical equation can be interpreted are to be stated.

Concept introduction:

A balanced chemical equation is the one that has equal number of atoms of every element that are present in a chemical reaction.

Answer to Problem 7SSC

A balanced chemical equation can be interpreted in terms of particles such as atoms, ions, molecules, mass and number of moles.

Explanation of Solution

According to law of conservation of mass it is not possible to form the mass or to destroy the mass. The mass always remains conserved. The balancing of chemical equation equalizes the number of atoms of each element at the reactant side as well as at the product side. A balanced chemical equation can be interpreted in terms of particles such as atoms, ions, molecules, mass and number of moles. The stoichiometric coefficient determines the number of these particles.

Conclusion

A balanced chemical equation can be interpreted in terms of particles such as atoms, ions, molecules, mass and number of moles.