Chapter 3, Problem 1DQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: From the given set of statements, the true statement for the necessity for balancing chemical equations need to be stated. The reason for balancing equations also needs to be stated.

Concept Introduction: Chemical reactions are symbolically illustrated as chemical equations. This representation involves the use of chemical symbol as well as formula. The chemical formulas corresponding to reaction’s left side are reactants and on its right side are products. This chemical equation has to be consistent with mass conservation law thereby resulting in a completely balanced equation.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for true statements: Option (d) because the balanced equation tells you how much reactant you need and allows you to predict how much product you will make.

Whenever a chemical equation is written, it must be written in balanced form. This can easily be explained through mass conservation law. As stated by this law, the mass corresponding to atoms on chemical reaction’s either sides should always remain equal.

Through balancing, corresponding moles of reactant species are accurately predicted. These moles can further be utilized to estimate the products moles followed by its mass generated.

Thus mass conservation law is responsible for the necessity to balance an equation.

Conclusion

Reason for false statements: Option (a), (b), (c) and (e) are false statements.

Correct mole ratios does not make a reaction to occur. The ratios only helps in predicting the corresponding masses of reactants as well as product species. That is why option (a) is not the correct choice.

Products formed will be accurate even if the reactant are not present in correct amount but the product’s amount produced might not be correct. So option (b) is not the correct choice.

The statement is true that a certain quantity of reactant can only lead to certain product’s quantity but is no reason to balance an equation. So option (c) is also not the correct choice.

Mole ratios are necessary so that any reaction can occur as written but is the incorrect statement is to why the equation requires balancing. This is why option (e) is not the correct choice.