EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -1: Balancing Equations. You cannot change subscripts in a chemical formula to balance a chemical equation; you can change only the coefficients. Changing subscripts changes the ratios of atoms in the molecule and the resulting chemical properties.

Detailed explanation-2: -RULE #1. You may only add COEFFICIENTS when balancing chemical equations! Remember, coefficients are the numbers that go in FRONT of a molecule.

Detailed explanation-3: -The number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation must be equal because matter cannot be created or destroyed. When balancing equations, the only numbers that can be changed are coefficients. Subscripts in a chemical formula cannot be changed to balance an equation.

Detailed explanation-4: -All chemical equations must be balanced. This means that there must be the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the arrow. Coefficients are used to balance chemical equations. A coefficient is a number placed in front of a chemical symbol or formula.