When balancing chemical equations

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In summary, chemical equations must be balanced to follow the law of conservation of mass. To balance an equation, adjust coefficients using stoichiometry. Subscripts cannot be changed. A balanced equation has equal numbers of atoms on both sides, while an unbalanced equation does not. To balance, start with elements that appear in only one reactant and product, and check your work by counting atoms after each step.
  • #1
J_o_S
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why can't the chemical formulas be altered?


I was asked this question, and my answer was because if you alter the formulas you're dealing with totally different chemicals, and therefore a different equation.

Seems like such a simple question, but its surrounded by harder ones which makes me worry :frown: so I just wanted to see if I was missing anything. Thanks
 
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  • #2
Sounds right to me. Although I would say

if you alter the formulas you're dealing with totally different chemicals, and therefore a different reaction.
 
  • #3
.Your answer is correct. The chemical formulas represent the specific elements and their ratios in a compound. If you alter the formulas, you are essentially changing the identity of the compounds involved, which would result in a different chemical equation. Balancing a chemical equation involves making sure that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side is equal to the number of atoms on the product side. Altering the formulas would disrupt this balance and make the equation inaccurate.
 

1. Why do we need to balance chemical equations?

Chemical equations must be balanced in order to accurately represent the law of conservation of mass. This law states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so the number of each type of atom on the reactant side must be equal to the number on the product side.

2. How do you balance a chemical equation?

To balance a chemical equation, you must adjust the coefficients (numbers in front of the chemical formulas) to make sure that the number of each type of atom is equal on both sides of the equation. This is done by using the principles of stoichiometry and applying them to each element in the equation.

3. Can you change the subscripts in a chemical formula when balancing an equation?

No, the subscripts in a chemical formula represent the number of atoms of each element in a molecule and cannot be changed when balancing an equation. Only coefficients can be adjusted.

4. What is the difference between a balanced and unbalanced chemical equation?

A balanced chemical equation has an equal number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation, while an unbalanced equation does not. This means that the law of conservation of mass is not being followed in an unbalanced equation.

5. Are there any tips or tricks for balancing chemical equations?

One helpful tip is to start by balancing elements that appear in only one reactant and one product, then move on to balancing elements that appear on both sides of the equation. Another tip is to check your work by counting the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation after each step.

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