While balancing a chemical equation, if a student changes a subscript in the formula of water, \(\mathrm{H_2O}\), what mistake has been made?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The composition and identity of the substance change.
Subscripts show the number of atoms of each element in a chemical formula. Changing the subscript 2 in \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) changes the composition, so the substance is no longer water. An equation is balanced by changing coefficients placed before formulae, not by changing subscripts within them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The composition and identity of the substance change.
Why is this the correct answer?
Subscripts show the number of atoms of each element in a chemical formula. Changing the subscript 2 in \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) changes the composition, so the substance is no longer water. An equation is balanced by changing coefficients placed before formulae, not by changing subscripts within them.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
