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when I balance an equation, I do the right thing with the subscripts, which is far more complicated than "multiply" would indicate. Under certain special conditions, multiplication (and only multiplication) is the proper procedure, but not always (or even generally).

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11y ago
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8mo ago

No, it is not recommended to change subscripts in a chemical formula to balance an equation. Subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in a compound and altering them would change the compound itself, resulting in an incorrect chemical equation. Balancing equations should be done by adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas.

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4y ago

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Q: Should you never change a subscript to balance an equation?
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What Never change a subscript to balance an equation?

Subscripts in a chemical formula represent the number of each atom present in a compound. Changing a subscript without changing the corresponding coefficients in a balanced chemical equation would alter the chemical formula and lead to an unbalanced equation. To balance the equation, adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds rather than changing the subscripts.


Why should you never change a subscript when attempting to balance chemical equations?

Changing subscripts changes the identity of the compound, not just its quantity. Instead, you should balance chemical equations by adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to ensure the same number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation.


Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?

True. Subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in a compound and changing them would change the chemical formula, possibly making it unbalanced in the equation. By adjusting the coefficients of the compounds involved in the reaction, the equation can be balanced without modifying the subscripts.


Why is it important never to change a subscription in a chemical formula when balancing a chemical equation?

Changing the subscription in a chemical formula alters the identity of the compound, resulting in an inaccurate representation of the reactants and products in a chemical equation. Balancing chemical equations requires maintaining the same elements in the same proportions on both sides of the equation to satisfy the law of conservation of mass. Changing a subscript would violate this principle and lead to an incorrect balance.


What can NEVER change these to make the equation balanced?

Changing subscripts in chemical formulas should never be done to balance a chemical equation because it changes the identity of the compounds involved. Instead, coefficients should be adjusted to balance the equation without altering the chemical formulas.

Related questions

What are two things you cannot do to a subscript in a chemical equation?

1. You cannot change the subscript just to help you balance the equation. You can only balance an equation by using whole-number coefficients written at the beginning of a substance. 2. If no subscript is present, you can't just add one to help you balance the equation for same reason listed above.


What Never change a subscript to balance an equation?

Subscripts in a chemical formula represent the number of each atom present in a compound. Changing a subscript without changing the corresponding coefficients in a balanced chemical equation would alter the chemical formula and lead to an unbalanced equation. To balance the equation, adjust the coefficients in front of the compounds rather than changing the subscripts.


Why should you never change a subscript when attempting to balance chemical equations?

Changing subscripts changes the identity of the compound, not just its quantity. Instead, you should balance chemical equations by adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to ensure the same number of atoms for each element on both sides of the equation.


Which do you use to balance equations subscrips or coefficients?

Both. you must have the correct subscripts to represent the correct chemical then you only change the coefficients to balance the equation. The product of a coefficient and a subscript tells how many atoms are present.


Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?

True. Subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in a compound and changing them would change the chemical formula, possibly making it unbalanced in the equation. By adjusting the coefficients of the compounds involved in the reaction, the equation can be balanced without modifying the subscripts.


Why are coefficient used to balance equations?

Coefficients are used to balance equations because if you change the subscript, than you would change the substance.


Why is it important never to change a subscription in a chemical formula when balancing a chemical equation?

Changing the subscription in a chemical formula alters the identity of the compound, resulting in an inaccurate representation of the reactants and products in a chemical equation. Balancing chemical equations requires maintaining the same elements in the same proportions on both sides of the equation to satisfy the law of conservation of mass. Changing a subscript would violate this principle and lead to an incorrect balance.


What can NEVER change these to make the equation balanced?

Changing subscripts in chemical formulas should never be done to balance a chemical equation because it changes the identity of the compounds involved. Instead, coefficients should be adjusted to balance the equation without altering the chemical formulas.


What are you allowed to do when you balance an equation?

Change superscripts


What happens if you change the subscript?

Changing a subscript in a chemical formula or equation alters the identity of the element or compound being referred to. For example, changing the subscript in H2O to H2O2 changes the compound from water to hydrogen peroxide, signifying a different chemical composition and properties. It is important to follow the correct subscript ratios to accurately represent chemical formulas.


When balancing a chemical equation do you alter the coefficients but not the subscripts in the equation?

Yes, when balancing a chemical equation, you only change the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the number of atoms on both sides of the equation. Subscripts, which represent the number of atoms within a molecule, remain unchanged as they reflect the actual chemical formula of the compound.


Why To balance a chemical equation can we change the formulae of either reactants or products?

if it is a redox reaction sometimes you can add water to help balance the equation