Question

4 why do chemical equations need to be balanced?
a chemical reactions destroy atoms, so the equation needs to show the new balance of atoms
b chemical reactions create new atoms, so the equation needs to show the new atomic total
c matter cannot be created or destroyed, so both sides have to be equal

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of matter (or mass), matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. A balanced chemical equation reflects this law by having the same number of each type of atom on both the reactant and product sides. Options A and B are incorrect because chemical reactions do not destroy or create atoms.

Answer:

C. Matter cannot be created or destroyed, so both sides have to be equal