Problem H1 (7th EDITION) Part A

[Heidi Ibarra Castillo 1D]

The question states: It appears that balancing the chemical equation Cu+SO2 -> CuO + S would be simple if we could just add another O atom to the product side. Why is that procedure not allowed?

I stated you can't add the O atom because it is not produced by the defined reaction but I am unsure if that answer is reliable enough.

[Brandon_Tran_2E]

The right idea, basically changing the subscripts of any reactant/product in a chemical equation will change the chemical formula and ultimately the substance.

[Theodore_Herring_1A]

Adding an O to the product side would imply that free Oxygen atoms would be formed from the reaction, however this does not happen.

[g orloff 1J]

In order to add an oxygen to the product side you need to add an oxygen to the reactants. Atoms are not created or lost in a reaction.

[Milena Aragon 2B]

An O atom cannot simply be added because then that would indicate that it was created through the chemical reaction which is not possible since atoms cannot be created or destroyed in a reaction.