Why is it incorrect to balance a chemical equation by changing the subscripts?
Answer (2)
Because if you change the subscripts you are changing the chemical compounds of that element. Therefore the element would change.
Changing the subscripts in a chemical equation alters the identity of the compounds involved, leading to incorrect representations. Only coefficients should be adjusted to maintain the integrity of the substances while balancing the equation. This practice is necessary to adhere to the law of conservation of mass during chemical reactions.
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