Why must subscripts in chemical formulae not be changed while balancing a chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The chemical identity and composition of the substance change.
Subscripts in a chemical formula specify the fixed number of atoms of each element. For example, changing
\(\mathrm{H_2O}\) to
\(\mathrm{H_2O_2}\) changes water into hydrogen peroxide, a different substance. Only coefficients are changed during balancing because they change the number of molecules without changing the identity of a substance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The chemical identity and composition of the substance change.
Why is this the correct answer?
Subscripts in a chemical formula specify the fixed number of atoms of each element. For example, changing
\(\mathrm{H_2O}\) to
\(\mathrm{H_2O_2}\) changes water into hydrogen peroxide, a different substance. Only coefficients are changed during balancing because they change the number of molecules without changing the identity of a 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.
