Question

why is it so important to show chemical reactions in a balanced form

Answer 1

Hello @hellokittysucks - Welcome to OpenStudy

It is very important to show chemical reactions in a balanced form as the balanced form lets us know, how much quantity of product will be obtained from a specific amount of reactant. That is, it helps us to practically make the products by using the reactants. Let us try to understand it with an example :

Suppose, I have a balanced chemical reaction as :

A + 2B \(\rightarrow\) C

Now, if I want to create 100 mL of C in laboratory, then I will use 100 mL of A and 200 mL of B (as it is 2B = 2 * 100 mL = 200 mL)

Therefore, if the equation was NOT balanced, then the reaction would not be possible in laboratory and can have harmful consequences.