Why must all chemical reactions be balanced?

Answer 1

All chemical reactions must be balanced, because matter is neither created nor destroyed in these reactions. Even if the arrangement of the individual atoms is different, the number of atoms of each element remains constant. Note that chemical reactions differ from nuclear reactions.

Answer 2

The LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MASS' applies.

When you react two chemicals, they have a total mass. This forms products with the same total mass. You cannot 'magically remove matter into thin air'

Since the masses are equal on both sides of the reaction, then the reacting eq'n must be equal on both sides of the equation.

So if you reactant '1' of mass 25 g and reactant '2' of mass 20 g, their total mass is 25g + 20g = 45g .

So the total mass of the products must equal 45g . However, because they are different chemicals , the individual products may have masses of 35g and 10 g ,but it equal 45 g.

So a chemical equation must reflect this by being balanced.

e.g.

2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + 2H2O.

NB If you write 2NaOH + H2SO4 = Na2SO4 + H2O you have lost as mass of water, Where has it gone???? Into thin air!!!!! You have not conserved mass. So balance your equations. !!!!!

Answer 3

Reactions dont have to be balanced but the atom has to be balanced. This means the electrons and the protons in the atom are balanced. For example, if someone eats too much sugar, they would be hyper. That is when it is unbalanced. This is the same with atoms.