Chemistry
is a balanced equation. (a) State what is a 'balanced equation'. (b) Give a reason why the above equation is balanced. (c) State why the compound MnO<sub>2</sub> is written above the arrow.
Answer
(a) A balanced equation is one in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on the side of the reactants and on the side of the products.
(b) As atoms of each reactant [K, Cl, O] on the L.H.S. is equal to the number of the atoms of products on the R.H.S., hence the given equation is balanced.
(c) MnO2 is a catalyst [simply increases the rate of reaction] and it does not take part in the reaction and so it is written on the top of the arrow.
Related Questions
Explain the term 'chemical equation'. What is meant by 'reactants' and 'products' in a chemical equation.
Give an example of a chemical equation in which two reactants form –
(a) one product
(b) two products
(c) three products
(d) four productsWhat do the following symbols present in a chemical equation mean.
(i) ⟶
(ii) ⇌
(iii) (s)
(iv) (I)
(v) (g)
(vi) (aq.)
CaCO3 + 2HCl [dil.] ⟶ CaCl2 + H2O + CO2 [g]
(a) State the information provided by the above chemical equation.
(b) State the information not conveyed by the above chemical equation.