Question

which statement best describes the purpose of a chemical equation? * 1 point
a chemical equation shows the energy changes during a chemical reaction.
a chemical equation describes the physical appearance of substances involved in a reaction.
a chemical equation uses symbols and formulas to represent the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
a chemical equation lists the steps needed to perform a chemical reaction.
consider the chemical equation: 2h2 + o2 → 2h2o. which statement about * 1 point
this equation is correct?
the equation is balanced because there are 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides.
the equation is not balanced because there are more hydrogen atoms on the product side.
the equation is not balanced because there are more oxygen atoms on the reactant side.
the equation is not balanced because the number of molecules is different on each side.

Explanation:

A chemical equation uses symbols and formulas to represent reactants and products in a chemical reaction. For the equation $2H_2 + O_2
ightarrow2H_2O$, on the reactant side, there are 4 hydrogen atoms ($2\times2$) and 2 oxygen atoms. On the product side, there are also 4 hydrogen atoms ($2\times2$) and 2 oxygen atoms, so it is balanced.

Answer:

1. C. A chemical equation uses symbols and formulas to represent the reactants and products in a chemical reaction.
2. The equation is balanced because there are 4 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms on both sides. (Note: the original option with correct atom - count description is not present among the given choices, but based on correct chemical - equation knowledge, the equation is balanced as explained above).