Why is it wrong to change chemical formulae while balancing a chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because changing a chemical formula changes the identity and composition of the substance.
A chemical formula represents the elements in a substance and their ratio of atoms. For example, changing H₂O to H₂O₂ changes water into hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, an equation is balanced only by changing coefficients, as in 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, not by changing the subscripts in formulae.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because changing a chemical formula changes the identity and composition of the substance.
Why is this the correct answer?
A chemical formula represents the elements in a substance and their ratio of atoms. For example, changing H₂O to H₂O₂ changes water into hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, an equation is balanced only by changing coefficients, as in 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, not by changing the subscripts in formulae.
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.
