What should be changed while balancing a chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Coefficients
While balancing a chemical equation, only the coefficients written before formulae are changed. This makes the number of atoms of every element equal on the reactant and product sides, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. For example, the 2s in \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\) are coefficients. Changing a subscript is not allowed because changing \(H_2O\) to \(H_2O_2\) changes water into a different substance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Coefficients
Why is this the correct answer?
While balancing a chemical equation, only the coefficients written before formulae are changed. This makes the number of atoms of every element equal on the reactant and product sides, satisfying the law of conservation of mass. For example, the 2s in \(2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O\) are coefficients. Changing a subscript is not allowed because changing \(H_2O\) to \(H_2O_2\) changes water into a different substance.
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.
