Why is it important that a chemical equation is balanced?

Most likely a is the answer - because  you generate   38 atp's but also consume an atp.   each atp gives approx. less than 4 kcal so probably a is the closest answer.

The activity series is shown in the attached picture. if the element is below the other, then you can displace the other. following the activity series as a guide, the reactions are as follows: nickel and aluminum chloride3 ni + 2 alcl₃  → 3 nicl₂ + 2 albarium and copper bromideba + cubr  →  no reaction because cu is less oxidizable than bapotassium nitrate and aluminum3 kno₃ + al  → al(no₃)₃ + 3 ksodium phosphate and zincnaso₄ + zn  → znso₄ + na