Why can't we change the subscripts in balancing chemical equations?

Question

grangergirl · Answer

Because the subscripts are what identify the compound. Changing the coefficient is okay, since you are only changing the number of whole compounds. If you change the subscript, however, you will change the compound into a completely different one. Hope that helps!!

Answered by grangergirl | 2024-06-10

grangergirl · Answer

Subscripts in chemical formulas define the identity of compounds, and changing them alters what the compound is. Coefficients can be changed to balance equations, as they indicate the amount of each substance without changing its identity. Therefore, only coefficients should be modified when balancing chemical equations. 
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Why can't we change the subscripts in balancing chemical equations?

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