Question
What are the drawbacks for a chemical equation? Illustrate with an example.
Solution
Let us consider the following reaction:
2H2S + SO2→3S + 2H2O
This is a balanced chemical equation but it does not give the following information:
(i) The physical state of the reactants and products whether these are solids, liquids or gaseous etc.
(ii) Concentration of reactants and products.
(iii) Condition of reaction such as temperature, pressure, catalyst, light.
(iv) The rate of reaction whether it is slow or fast.
(v) Time taken for completion.
(vi) Heat changes whether heat is evolved or absorbed.
(vii) Whether reaction is reversible or irreversible.
