Chapter 3, Problem 3.53P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The information that can be inferred from a balanced chemical equation is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A balanced chemical equation describes the transformation of reactants into products. It follows the law of conservation of mass according to which mass of products is equal to the mass of reactant.

In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element on either side of the reaction remains equal.

Examples of balanced chemical equations are:

1. Formation of ammonia by the action of dinitrogen and hydrogen.

${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)+3{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)\to 2{\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}\left(l\right)$

2. Combustion of methane in the presence of complete oxygen.

${\text{CH}}_{\text{4}}\left(g\right)+2{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)\to {\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}\left(g\right)+2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(l\right)$