Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chemical Subscripts
Subscripts in a chemical formula indicate the number of atoms of each element in a molecule. For example, in H₂O, the subscript '2' signifies that there are two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. Changing the subscript alters the identity of the substance, leading to a different compound with distinct properties.
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Chemical Equations
A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products involved. Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element is conserved on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This balance is achieved by adjusting coefficients, not subscripts.
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Law of Conservation of Mass
The law of conservation of mass states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This principle requires that the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products. Therefore, to balance a chemical equation, one must adjust the coefficients of the compounds rather than changing their subscripts, which would fundamentally change the substances involved.
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