What defines a balanced chemical equation?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A balanced chemical equation is one in which the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. This balance ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, where the total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B is incorrect as a balanced equation has an equal number of products and reactants. Option C is incorrect as balancing refers to the number of atoms, not molecules. Option D is incorrect as balancing is based on the number of atoms, not masses. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it accurately describes a balanced chemical equation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Matter that has a definite shape and volume is referred to as a solid. Solids maintain their shape and volume under normal conditions, unlike liquids that have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, gases that have neither a definite shape nor volume, and plasma which is a state of matter with no definite shape or volume and consists of charged particles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A gas changes its volume with changes in temperature and pressure due to the particles moving more rapidly at higher temperatures, and pressure affects the space between particles. Liquids have a relatively fixed volume but take the shape of their container. Solids have a definite shape and volume, so they do not change volume with changes in temperature and pressure. Plasma is a state of matter where particles are highly energized and do not have a fixed volume, but it does not exhibit volume changes with temperature and pressure variations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A physical change refers to alterations in the state of matter without modifying the chemical composition of the substance. Examples of physical changes include changes in state (solid, liquid, gas), shape, size, or phase. In a physical change, the substance may look different or behave differently, but its chemical structure remains the same. On the other hand, chemical changes involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds, resulting in the creation of entirely new substances with different chemical properties. Nuclear changes involve alterations in the nucleus of an atom, such as radioactive decay. Mechanical changes refer to changes in the position or motion of an object caused by applied forces, like pushing, pulling, or twisting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Element.' An element is the most basic form of a substance that cannot be broken down further by chemical reactions. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, typically consisting of one or two letters. Choice A, 'Compound,' is incorrect as compounds are formed by the combination of two or more elements. Choice B, 'Mixture,' is also incorrect as mixtures are composed of two or more substances physically combined. Choice D, 'Molecule,' refers to the smallest unit of a compound that retains the chemical properties of that compound, not the simplest form of a substance represented by a symbol.