Question

HELPPPPP

Now that you have learned about balancing equations, explain to me why you are only allowed to change to numbers out front of bonds, and not the small numbers behind the elements (subscripts).

Answer 1

Answer:

The small numbers denote the valency of the atoms of elements whereas the numbers in front denote the number of bonds. We balance the total number of bonds and not the valency of elements.

Explanation:

The small numbers denote the valency of the atoms of elements whereas the numbers in front denote the number of bonds. We balance the total number of bonds and not the valency of elements.

Example

H2 +O2 _H2O

2 H combine with 2 O to form 1 water molecule but in water we have 2 H and 1. O . So we multiply 2 with water. Then we have 4 H and 2 O. But on the left side we have only 2H . So to balance the equation we multiply 2 with 2H to make 4 H. This both sides become equal.

The small number shows how the atoms exists. Like hydrogen is diatomic and so is oxygen .