What characterizes a balanced chemical equation?

A balanced chemical equation is defined by having the same number of atoms of each element on both the reactant and product sides. This principle is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, when writing a balanced equation, one must ensure that all atoms present in the reactants are accounted for in the products, maintaining equal quantities of each element throughout the reaction.

This balance is crucial for accurately representing chemical reactions and predicting the products formed. In doing so, it allows chemists to understand stoichiometry, enabling them to calculate the amounts of reactants needed and products formed in a reaction. The necessity of balancing equations reflects the foundational principles of chemistry, where every atom has to be conserved during the process.