Question

Balance the given equation:
 $ KCl{O_3} \to KCl + {O_2} $

Answer 1

Hint: In chemical reactions, chemicals combine in certain fixed ratios for the formation of a chemical compound. Since, it is known that matter can neither be created nor destroyed, nor can any element be transfused into another element on course of a chemical reaction, therefore, the amount of each element before the reaction must be the same as that after the reaction.

Complete step by step solution
A balanced equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each element are equal on the reactant side and product side. It always follows the law of conservation of mass and electrical neutrality is always maintained. We know from the law of conservation of mass states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed.
The reaction given in the question is a decomposition reaction. A decomposition reaction is the reaction which involves the breaking of a chemical compound by the action of heat, light or electrical energy to give two or more new substances. Here potassium chlorate decomposes to give potassium chloride and oxygen gas.
We shall balance the number of oxygen atoms by cross-multiplying the number of oxygen atoms in the product and reactant side. Then, we shall balance the potassium atoms by multiplying 2 to KCl in the product side.
The balanced equation is given as:
 $ 2KCl{O_3} \to 2KCl + 3{O_2} $.

Note
The law of conservation of mass proposes that the mass must always remain constant and unchanged during a chemical reaction. Since we know that in a balanced equation, the amounts of all elements and compounds are same on both sides of the reaction, it also implies that the mass of the overall process is conserved. Thus, we can conclude by saying that a balanced chemical equation is balanced in accordance with the law of conservation of mass.