why is it not possible to balance an equation by changing the subscript on a substance
Answer 1 To balance an equation means that there are the same number of each element on each side. The reason a subscript cannot change is that it represents the amount of an â¦ element within a certain compound in relation to any other elements. If that ratio changes, it is no longer the same compound.Changing a subscript changes a formula so that it no longer stands for the correct substance. Answer 2 The point of balancing an equation is to find the ratios in which chemicals will react or be produced. By changing the equation, you change the reaction.Therefore you are not trying to balance the same reaction. Answer 3 A balanced chemical equation is the standard way of writing equations for chemical reactants because it follows the LAW OF CONSERVATION OF MASS. subscript in the formula can not be changed when balancing an equation because changing a subscript would make the formula describe a different compound, or rather more likely a non-existent compound.