Why are coefficients changed instead of chemical formulae while balancing equations?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because changing formulae changes the substance
Balancing follows the law of conservation of mass: the number of atoms of every element must be equal on both sides. A chemical formula represents the fixed composition and identity of a substance, so changing its subscripts would create a different substance. Coefficients change only the number of molecules or formula units. Therefore option A is correct; the other statements misunderstand formulae or coefficients.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because changing formulae changes the substance
Why is this the correct answer?
Balancing follows the law of conservation of mass: the number of atoms of every element must be equal on both sides. A chemical formula represents the fixed composition and identity of a substance, so changing its subscripts would create a different substance. Coefficients change only the number of molecules or formula units. Therefore option A is correct; the other statements misunderstand formulae or coefficients.
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.
