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The formula would no longer represent the same substance.

CO is carbon monoxide a poisonous gas.

CO2 is carbon dioxide, a nonpoisonous gas.

H2O is water -- you can drink it

H2O2 is hydrogen peroxide. Don't drink it.

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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.


When to use subscripts when writing a formula?

Do you mean subscripts like H2O (ie the 2 would be subscripted)?


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.


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

It is important to never change the subscript in a chemical formula when balancing a chemical equation because subscripts represent the number of atoms of each element in the compound. Changing subscripts would alter the chemical formula and consequently change the identity of the compounds involved in the reaction. Balancing equations involves adjusting coefficients, not subscripts.


Why is it incorrect to balance a chemical equation by changing the subscripts?

Changing subscripts in a chemical formula changes the identity of the compound being represented. Balancing a chemical equation involves changing 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.


Are chemical equations balanced by changing the subscripts of the molecules?

No - they are usually balanced by changing the numbers before the molecules.


How can you balance a chemical equation by changing the subscripts?

Balancing only allows you to change the coefficients, NOT the subscripts.


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.


Why cant you change the charge of an ion to make formulas?

You can't change the charge because that is changing the very chemical nature of the ion/atom. To make formulas with ions, you use subscripts to change the NUMBER of ions in the formula without changing the CHARGE.


What is the empirical formula for C9H15O3?

A molecular formula is identical to the empirical formula. The principle for this kind of problem is to find the highest integer that is an integral factor of all the subscripts then divide the subscripts by that integer. In this instance 3 is the highest integer. Therefore the empirical formula would be C3H5O.


What are the subscripts for the formula unit CaO?

No subscripts are needed: The formula unit for calcium oxide contains one calcium cation with a charge of +2 and one oxide anion with a charge of -2.


Why can't you change the subscript of reactant and products when balancing a chemical equation?

Changing subscripts changes the chemical formula, leading to a different compound being represented. When balancing a chemical equation, you can only add coefficients to the compounds to ensure mass is conserved on both sides of the equation while keeping their identities the same. Changing subscripts would alter the chemical substances involved in the reaction.