While balancing a chemical equation, why should the subscripts in chemical formulae not be changed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The fixed ratio of atoms and composition of a substance
Subscripts in a chemical formula show the fixed ratio of atoms in a compound. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Changing the subscript to make \(\mathrm{H_2O_2}\) gives hydrogen peroxide, not water. Therefore, only coefficients are changed to balance an equation; subscripts must remain unchanged.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The fixed ratio of atoms and composition of a substance
Why is this the correct answer?
Subscripts in a chemical formula show the fixed ratio of atoms in a compound. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Changing the subscript to make \(\mathrm{H_2O_2}\) gives hydrogen peroxide, not water. Therefore, only coefficients are changed to balance an equation; subscripts must remain unchanged.
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.
