Question

How many of the following are true concerning balanced chemical equations? I. The number of molecules is conserved. II. The coefficients for the reactants tell you how much of each reactant you are given. III. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed. IV. The coefficients indicate the mass ratios of the substances used. V. The sum of the coefficients on the reactant side equals the sum of the coefficients on the product side.

Answer 1

Answer:  I. The number of molecules is conserved.

III. Atoms are neither created nor destroyed

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of mass, mass can neither be created nor be destroyed. Thus the mass of products formed must be equal to the mass of reactants taken.

In order to get the same mass on both sides, the atoms of each element must be balanced on both sides of the chemical equation.

For example: $2Na+2H_2O\rightarrow 2NaOH+H_2$

Thus in the reactants, there are 4 atoms of hydrogen , 2 atoms of oxygen and 2 atoms of sodium.Thus there will be 4 atoms of hydrogen, 2 atoms of oxygen and 2 atoms of sodium in the product as well.