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When balancing chemical equations why is it permitted to change the numbers in front of the chemical formulas but not the number within the chemical formula?
The chemical formula of a molecule shows how many atoms are in the molecule so you cannot change it since that would mean it is a different molecule then.
To balance the equations you have to have the same amount of atoms in the left and right hand side. So you try to balance the numbers of each molecule on each side so that there are for example 3 hydrogen atoms overall on each side.
Example:
H2 + O2 ---> H2O
This equation is not balanced since there are two H and two O on left side but only one O and two H on the right side. To balance you cannot change the formula from H2O (water) to H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) because this is a different compound. But you can balance it like this:
2H2 + O2 ---> 2H2O
Notice that now there are 4H on left hand side (2*2) and 2O, which is the same like the right hand side where you have 4H(2*2) and 2O (2*1 because there is no number after O so there is only 1 atom of it in the molecule)
What else can I help you with?
What is chemical shorthand?
Chemical shorthand is a method of representing chemical elements and compounds using symbols and formulas. It allows for concise communication of chemical information, such as in chemical equations, formulas, and reactions.
What are used to show what happens during a chemical reaction?
Chemical equations are used to show what happens during a chemical reaction. They demonstrate the reactants that are used, the products that are formed, and the balanced relationship between them. Symbols and formulas represent the different elements and compounds involved in the reaction.
Can an element be represented as a chemical formula?
Yes, an element can be represented as a chemical formula. Each element is identified by a unique chemical symbol, such as "H" for hydrogen or "O" for oxygen. Chemical formulas are used to represent the composition of compounds, which are combinations of elements.
What symbolic representation of a chemical reaction?
A chemical reaction can be symbolically represented using a chemical equation, where reactants are shown on the left side and products are shown on the right side. The equation includes chemical formulas of the substances involved and indicates the balance of atoms before and after the reaction.
What is chemical formulas for helium and nitrogen?
The chemical formula for helium is He, and the chemical formula for nitrogen is N2.
What statements are true about balancing equations?
Balancing equations is the process of ensuring that there are an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of a chemical equation. This is achieved by adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to balance the equation. The Law of Conservation of Mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, which is why balancing equations is necessary to maintain this principle.
Why is it incorrect to balance chemical equation by changing the subscripts?
Changing subscripts in a chemical formula changes the identity of the compound, which is not allowed when balancing chemical equations. Balancing equations involves adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas to ensure that the same number of each type of atom is present on both sides of the equation.
What numbers should not be changed to balance the equations?
Coefficients in front of chemical formulas should not be changed when balancing chemical equations. These coefficients represent the number of each molecule or atom involved in the reaction and changing them would change the stoichiometry of the reaction. Only the subscripts within chemical formulas should be adjusted to balance the equation.
Why do we only place coefficient numbers in front of formulas when balancing equations?
We place coefficient numbers in front of formulas when balancing equations to ensure that the number of atoms on each side of the equation is equal. This is necessary to satisfy the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system. Balancing equations ensures that the reaction is accurately represented.
Why is it not possible to change the subscripts to balance the equation?
Changing subscripts in a chemical formula changes the actual chemical species present, leading to a different reaction. Subscripts represent the ratio of elements in a compound and should not be changed to balance chemical equations. Balancing equations is done by adjusting coefficients in front of chemical formulas, not by changing subscripts.
What are codes used in chemical equations telling what atoms are part of the equations?
formulas
Answers to Word equations?
Chemical equation that represents a chemical reaction using chemical formulas and other symbols. It shows the reactants turning into products. Balancing is required to have an equal number of each type of atom on both sides.
Why are reactions described with formulas and chemical equations?
because yes!
What codes used in chemical equations telling what atoms are part of the equation?
formulas
How to balance equations in chemistry for a chemical reaction?
To balance equations in chemistry for a chemical reaction, you need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is done by adjusting the coefficients in front of the chemical formulas. Start by balancing the elements that appear in only one compound on each side, then balance the more complex molecules last.
Which one is a step used for balancing chemical equations?
Count the atoms in each substance in the reactants and products. (Apex)
Chemical are codes used in chemical equations?
1. The representation of chemicals in chemical equations is made by formulas.2. The word code has another sense in chemistry; as an example, the digital code of the American Chemical Society - Chemical Abstract Service (CAS No).
