Question

which of the following rules is true about balancing chemical equations? mark all correct answers a. you can change the coefficient(s) of the chemicals involved. b. you cannot change the subscript(s) of the chemicals involved. c. you cannot change the coefficient(s) of the chemicals involved. d. you can change the subscript(s) of the chemicals involved.

Explanation:

To balance a chemical equation, we adjust the coefficients (the numbers in front of chemical formulas) to ensure the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. Changing subscripts would alter the identity of the chemical compound (e.g., changing the subscript in \(H_2O\) to \(H_2O_2\) changes it from water to hydrogen peroxide), so subscripts cannot be changed.

• Option a: Correct, as coefficients are changed to balance atoms.
• Option b: Correct, as subscripts define the compound and can't be altered.
• Option c: Incorrect, since coefficients are changed during balancing.
• Option d: Incorrect, as changing subscripts changes the compound.

Answer:

a. You can change the coefficient(s) of the chemicals involved.
b. You cannot change the subscript(s) of the chemicals involved.