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Why can you add coefficients to an equation but not change subscripts of a formula?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
In a chemical formula, changing the coefficient only changes the amount of the substance present. Changing a subscript changes the number of atoms in the compound, thus changing the chemical properties of the compound.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoThe molecules don't change. For example, when you make water, which is H2O - water is always H2O To make water you need O2 and H2, which don't normally exist as H or O. Ok, now we know what we need, and that won't change, Right. Now, lets set up the reaction:
O2 + H2 --> H2O Got that?
But that equation isn't balanced, so we need to change the number of molecules of the chemicals (That is what coefficients are for): O2 + 2H2 --> 2H2O
All we do by changing the coefficient is to change the amount we are reacting, not the chemical makeup of the substance.
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Can a decimal be a coefficient in a chemical equation?
No! You can change coefficients as needed to balance an equation but you cannot just change a substance's subscripts.
Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?
False. Subscript cannot be change to balance chemical equations. Only coefficients can be added to balance chemical equation.
Can the subscripts be changed in order to balance a chemical epuation?
No, or you'd change the chemicals being reacted. Added: There is always ONE and ONLY ONE way in which you can put the right COEFFICIENTS of each reacting compound in a balanced equation, by only changing the values of those coefficients. (That are the figures in FRONT of the chemical formula's).
Is it true or false when adding coefficients I can only add them to the beginning of a chemical formula or element.?
This is true. Never change the subscripts, because that changes the substance. You use coefficients to indicate the amount of each reactant and product.
Can subscripts in a chemical formula be fractions?
The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something. The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something.
How can you balance a chemical equation by changing the subscripts?
Balancing only allows you to change the coefficients, NOT the subscripts.
Can a decimal be a coefficient in a chemical equation?
No! You can change coefficients as needed to balance an equation but you cannot just change a substance's subscripts.
When balancing a chemical equation do you alter the coefficients but not the subscripts in the equation?
Subscripts state how many atoms and Coefficients state how many molecules there are. So when balancing an equation you always adjust the coefficients. When this equation is balanced, what is the coefficient for Ni(NOËÄ)ËÄ? 4
Why can't you balance an equation by changing the subscripts of the reactants or the products?
You can't change the subscript. The subscripts show how the elements/molecules are bonded.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in each chemical formula-if you change the subscripts, you change the compounds the formulas are describing.Source: (e2020)
Is this true or false Subscripts can be changed in order to balance a chemical equation?
False. Subscript cannot be change to balance chemical equations. Only coefficients can be added to balance chemical 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.
Can the subscripts be changed in order to balance a chemical epuation?
No, or you'd change the chemicals being reacted. Added: There is always ONE and ONLY ONE way in which you can put the right COEFFICIENTS of each reacting compound in a balanced equation, by only changing the values of those coefficients. (That are the figures in FRONT of the chemical formula's).
Is it true or false when adding coefficients I can only add them to the beginning of a chemical formula or element.?
This is true. Never change the subscripts, because that changes the substance. You use coefficients to indicate the amount of each reactant and product.
Are Chemical equations are balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecules?
ABSOLUTELY NOT Change the coefficients on reactant or productt units.
Can subscripts in a chemical formula be fractions?
The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something. The Subscripts in a Chemical formula explain how the atoms in that compound are chemically bonded. As a fraction of an atom cannot bond, the subscripts cannot be fractions. Coefficients, however which go before a chemical formula in chemical equations may be fractions. This is because they explain the ratio of the number of moles of each species required for the reaction and it is possible to have a fraction of a mole of something.
When balancing a chemical equation can you adjust the script in a formula?
No. Never change the subscripts because then you are changing the formula of the substance to something else. You can only change the amount of a substance by adding a coefficient in front of the formula. If there is no coefficient, it is understood to be 1.
What is the only part of a chemical equation you can change?
You can only change the coefficients.
