Write 'true' or 'false' for each statement. (a) We balance chemical equations as we do because energy must be conserved.

Key Concepts

Conservation of Mass

The conservation of mass is a fundamental principle stating that mass cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products, which is why we balance chemical equations. Each atom present in the reactants must be accounted for in the products, ensuring that the equation reflects this balance.

Chemical Equations

Chemical equations are symbolic representations of chemical reactions, showing the reactants on the left and the products on the right. Balancing these equations involves adjusting coefficients to ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides. This process is crucial for accurately depicting the reaction and adhering to the law of conservation of mass.

Energy Conservation in Reactions

While the question mentions energy conservation, it is important to note that in chemical reactions, energy is transformed rather than conserved in the traditional sense. Energy can be released or absorbed during a reaction, but the total energy in a closed system remains constant. Balancing equations primarily focuses on mass conservation, although energy changes are also a key aspect of understanding reaction dynamics.