Why should subscripts in chemical formulae not be changed while balancing a chemical equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: They specify the fixed chemical composition of a substance; changing them changes the substance itself.
Subscripts give the fixed number of atoms of each element in a compound, so they are part of the formula and identity of the substance. For example, changing H₂O to H₂O₂ changes water into hydrogen peroxide. Only coefficients are changed when balancing an equation because coefficients change the number of molecules without changing the identity of a substance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
They specify the fixed chemical composition of a substance; changing them changes the substance itself.
Why is this the correct answer?
Subscripts give the fixed number of atoms of each element in a compound, so they are part of the formula and identity of the substance. For example, changing H₂O to H₂O₂ changes water into hydrogen peroxide. Only coefficients are changed when balancing an equation because coefficients 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.
